"If we want to act fast, Congress has to focus. There is no realistic chance that another sprawling bill which allocates half a trillion dollars to a number of priorities, even important ones, will be able to pass the Senate or the House by unanimous consent this week," McConnell said, referring to Democrats' counteroffer on Wednesday. "I hope none of my colleagues object to my request for these urgently-needed funds. There is no reason why this bipartisan job-saving program should be held hostage for other priorities."

Democrats did temporarily block the $2 trillion “Phase 3” March funding package, demanding better oversight for the enactment of the legislation after taking the short-term pain of stopping the bill. Democrats are indicating they view this fight much the same.

“Democrats have a better alternative and will bring it to the floor tomorrow,” said Democratic Senate aide.

And even if McConnell's bill advances, Pelosi (D-Calif.) says the Senate Republicans’ plan to pass the new small business aid won’t fly in her chamber’s pro forma session on Friday.

“The bill that they put forth will not get unanimous support in the House. It just won’t,” Pelosi said on NPR.

Taken together, the fast-moving events of this week show that the unanimous votes in favor of $2 trillion in aid at the end of March haven’t translated to a go-along, get-along environment in Washington. And all eyes will be on the Senate floor Thursday to see how the clash plays out.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said McConnell had asked all 100 senators to signal whether they would object to a quarter trillion more money for small businesses by noon on Wednesday. Republicans haven't totally ruled out Democrats' request, to be considered at a later date at least, but argue the popular $350 billion Paycheck Protection Act needs money urgently and is the only thing that can pass this week.

"Nobody thinks tomorrow will be the Senate’s last word on Covid-19. Other crucial parts of the CARES Act, like its historic funds for hospitals and healthcare providers, are still coming online and have not yet been exhausted. The PPP is where the lights are already flashing red," McConnell said.

But Democrats still say that's not enough on its own. Though administration officials informed Democrats on Wednesday that they oppose passing the new spending on Thursday, on a private caucus call Wednesday afternoon, Pelosi told Democrats that the administration offered to address some of their concerns "administratively." But Pelosi and other top Democrats want to see their issues — including ensuring that minority communities have equal access to the small business funds — addressed through legislation.

Pelosi also scoffed at Republicans' insistence that other sectors of the economy aren't desperate for more federal funds immediately, including state and local governments as well as hospitals and health centers. The California Democrat told her caucus that it's absolutely urgent they provide more money immediately to help states and hospitals fight the virus.

Earlier in the day, Pelosi and Schumer said they would agree to the GOP request if certain conditions are met, such as ensuring half of the small business funding flows through “community-based” banks that serve women and minority-owned businesses. The two top Democrats want an additional $100 billion for hospitals and health centers as medical providers across the country are still struggling to secure enough personal protective equipment to safely treat the influx of coronavirus patients.

Democrats also want $150 billion in additional funding for state and local governments to fight the pandemic and an increase in the amount of federal food aid families can claim during this emergency.



