McConnell Opens Door to Smaller Pandemic Relief Deal: ‘Hope Springs Eternal’

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) speaks to members of the news media while walking into his office on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 17, 2020. Tom Brenner/Reuters

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said there is a possibility of a smaller COVID-19 rescue package being passed in the near future as expanded unemployment benefits are set to expire in a few days.

After proposing the HEALS Act on Monday, McConnell and other top Republicans have faced a pushback by both Democrats and the White House over certain provisions.