May 28 Mitch McConnell stresses need to wear face masks in public By Bruce Schreiner, Associated Press Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is stressing the importance of wearing masks in public as the nation's economy reopens. In doing so, the Kentucky Republican waded into a politically charged issue. Continue reading
May 26 McConnell discusses prospects for another round of pandemic relief By Bruce Schreiner, Associated Press The Senate's top leader says Congress needs to tend to unemployment insurance funds supporting millions thrown out of work by the coronavirus pandemic. Continue reading
May 26 Congress weighs choice: ‘Go big’ on virus aid or hit ‘pause’ By Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is at a crossroads in the coronavirus crisis, wrestling over whether to “go big,” as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants for the next relief bill, or hit “pause,” as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell insists. Continue reading
May 21 GOP weighs jobless aid cuts to urge Americans back to work By Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell huddled Thursday at the White House as Republicans stake out new plans to phase out coronavirus-related unemployment benefit. Continue reading
May 02 Back in session: Senate risks a return but House stays away By Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press “We will continue to stand together for the American people — even as we stand 6 feet apart,” McConnell said ahead of the opening. Continue reading
May 01 Senate to convene, but Capitol physician warns lack of quick virus testing brings risk By Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press As Congress prepares to partially return next week, the legislative branch will be a changed place, after all but shuttering for more than a month amid the virus outbreak. Continue reading
Apr 29 McConnell now open to state aid in next virus relief bill By Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press Reversing course, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell now says he is "open" to considering additional funds for state and local governments in the next coronavirus relief bill. Continue reading
Apr 07 Congress, White House pursue next coronavirus bill By Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press Congressional leaders are jolting ahead with another coronavirus rescue package as President Donald Trump indicated that Americans will need more aid during the stark pandemic and economic shutdown. Continue reading
Mar 31 Watch 3:35 News Wrap: Dow Jones concludes worst quarter since 1987 In our news wrap Tuesday, Wall Street ended a brutal first quarter with fresh losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 23 percent during the first three months of 2020 -- the largest percentage decline since 1987. Also, Senate Majority… Continue watching
Mar 19 In $1 trillion virus response, McConnell proposes paying $1,200 per person By Andrew Taylor, Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press Keeping paychecks flowing for idled workers as jobless claims skyrocket is a top priority for both the Republican and Democratic plans emerging from Congress. Continue reading