AFP, Washington :
Chances for approving a new spending package to support the US economy improved dramatically on Tuesday after the senior Democratic lawmaker said a bill is in the works and the top Senate Republican said he would bring it to a vote.
Both sides said they made progress in talks, but whether negotiations can be completed in time for Congress to approve the package before the November 3 presidential election remains a question mark.
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Bloomberg TV that legislators are starting to commit the measure to paper.
While the bill must go through legislative steps, including approval by the House Appropriations Committee, “I am optimistic” it can get bipartisan support, Pelosi said, but cautioned “Legislation is tough.”
The bill’s prospects got a boost after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who repeatedly signaled that he would not support a massive package, said he would bring the measure to the Senate floor for a vote.
“If a Presidentially-supported bill clears the House, at some point we’ll bring it to the floor, yes,” McConnell told reporters.
Chances for approving a new spending package to support the US economy improved dramatically on Tuesday after the senior Democratic lawmaker said a bill is in the works and the top Senate Republican said he would bring it to a vote.
Both sides said they made progress in talks, but whether negotiations can be completed in time for Congress to approve the package before the November 3 presidential election remains a question mark.
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Bloomberg TV that legislators are starting to commit the measure to paper.
While the bill must go through legislative steps, including approval by the House Appropriations Committee, “I am optimistic” it can get bipartisan support, Pelosi said, but cautioned “Legislation is tough.”
The bill’s prospects got a boost after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who repeatedly signaled that he would not support a massive package, said he would bring the measure to the Senate floor for a vote.
“If a Presidentially-supported bill clears the House, at some point we’ll bring it to the floor, yes,” McConnell told reporters.
