We still have a long ways to go, i can tell you that we spent the last three days, actually last four days, trying to get to some kind of consensus, at least to start negotiating. Yesterday was a step in the right direction. Our staffs are actually working today. Well be meeting again tomorrow. But Im not optimistic that there will be a solution in the very near term. Andand thats why I think the effort that Senator Martha McSally led on the Senate floor to extend the enhanced unemployment was the right move. And yet Senator Schumer and his Democratic colleagues blocked that.

Staff Mark Meadows

We dont even know what it is.

Staff Mark Meadows

Ive become extremely doubtful that well be able to make a deal if it goes well beyond Friday.

Staff Mark Meadows

Democratic leaders are eager for an expansive agreement, as are PresidentTrump and top Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. But perhaps one half of Senate Republicans, mostly conservatives and those not facing difficult races this fall, are likely to oppose any deal. Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson weighs in on the potential ‘ phase 4 ’ coronavirus relief bill on ‘ Sunday Morning Futures. ’ Prior talks had yielded little progress and Saturdays cautious optimism was a break from gloomy private assessments among GOP negotiators. The administration is willing to extend the newly expired $ 600 jobless benefit, at least in the short term, but is balking at other Democratic demands like aid for state and local governments, food stamp increases, and assistance to renters and homeowners. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said restoring the $ 600 supplemental jobless benefit is critically important to Trump. Were still a long ways apart and I dont want to suggest that a deal is imminent because it is not.

Staff Mark Meadows