Just asked Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, leaving the floor, why not engage in talks with Democratic leaders now that the chamber at an impasse over how to provide money for small businesses.

"We'll have to do that again at some point," he said.
“Clearly with everyone out of town, with the president saying he's not prepared to sign additional legislation, what we were trying to do was get a result. There will be additional discussion. We knew that when we passed the act two weeks ago,” McConnell said.
Asked if he will have to give into what the Democrats are asking for, namely money for state and local governments and hospitals, McConnell said: "No one is necessarily against additional assistance..much of the rest of the money has not gone out yet.”
“It's hard to measure the effect it's had and the additional need. This is the one program that was running out of money, needed assistance now and all my proposed amendment would do at the request of the administration was simply change one number."
McConnell didn’t answer a question if he thinks a deal could come together this week, but Cardin said it’s “unlikely,” arguing there’s “not a real interest” by McConnell for a quick deal. Talks will have to occur among the leadership to get a deal.
There’s no Senate session until a pro forma on Monday
You can follow @mkraju.
Tip: mention @twtextapp on a Twitter thread with the keyword “unroll” to get a link to it.

Latest Threads Unrolled: