1) Am told that much of the next coronavirus bill will likely focus on still trying to get provisions to health care workers and cover health care costs. After approving the $2.2 trillion package last month, there will likely be need for parliamentary “grout” to fill in the holes

2) Fox is told there is concern about Treasury getting the direct payment checks to recipients in a timely manner. Fox is told Treasury indicated it can issue 5 million checks a week. But at that rate, people still wouldn’t be getting checks until summertime. CapHill not pleased

3) Congressional Democrats want to make sure that a Social Security number is not necessary to qualify for benefits. Senate Republicans wouldn’t swallow that pill last time. Fox is told Democrats will push for reluctant Republicans to accept that provision.

4) House Democrats are also pushing for the “vote by mail” language for federal elections this fall. It is unclear if there could be a Constitutional issue with that plan, as Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution leaves the “manner” of conducting elections to the states.

5) The Senate is out until at least April 20. One could see a scenario where members feel they need to pass something sooner and rush back to Washington. However, the next phase could actually take more time. That’s because there seems to be a lack of consensus in the early going

6) The phase four bill may take a while. And, it’s doubtful that they will bring a large swath of mbrs back until the next bill is really ready to go. They can’t have members waiting around here, until they are completely ready to pull the trigger on that legislation