Warning: Dems say GOP is slow-walking relief efforts.

WASHINGTON — Despite deep Republican divisions, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pushed ahead Wednesday toward a COVID19 aid package with the White House as Democrats warned the GOP is delaying needed relief to Americans during the crisis.

Key GOP senators revolted over the emerging $1 trillion effort as the price tag could quickly swell. Conservative Republicans vowed to slowwalk passage of any bill. But pressure is mounting as the virus outbreak deepens, and a $600 weekly unemployment boost and a federal eviction moratorium come to an end starting Friday.

“We’re hopeful we’ll be able to get there,” McConnell told reporters.

Briefings were under way at the Capitol and the Republican leader hoped to present a working draft late Wednesday or Thursday. But the size and scope of the federal spending, and the jumble of competing priorities from President Trump and GOP senators, left the outcome uncertain as the pandemic death toll climbed past 142,000.

“I just don’t see the need for it,” Sen. Ron Johnson, RWis., told reporters Wednesday.

Exasperated Democrats, who already approved House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s more sweeping $3 trillion package two months ago, said time is running out for Trump and his GOP allies to act.

“We’re still on the 20yard line?” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said, referring to White House comments. “Where have the Republicans been?”

With millions out of work and a potential wave of evictions ahead, the severity of the prolonged virus outbreak is testing Washington’s ability to respond. Schools are delaying fall openings, states are clamping down with new stayhome orders and the fallout is rippling through an economy teetering with high unemployment and business uncertainty.

“We are just days away from a housing crisis that could be prevented,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, DMass.