Talks continue in Washington Saturday over coronavirus relief bill, $600 per week unemployment checks

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Talks on a huge coronavirus relief measure resumed on Saturday, focused on restoring a newly expired $600-per-week supplemental unemployment benefit and hundreds of billions of dollars in other aid to states, businesses and the poor.

The Trump administration is willing to extend the $600 jobless benefit, at least in the short term. But it's balking at other demands of Democratic negotiators like aid for state and local governments, food stamp increases, and assistance to renters and homeowners.

Unemployment insurance is a principal element of the COVID-19 relief bill, which is expected to grow considerably from a $1 trillion-plus GOP draft released this week.

RECORD ECONOMIC PLUNGE, BLEAK VIRUS NUMBERS SHOW VIRUS TOLL

U.S. CORONAVIRUS DEATHS TOP 150,000

HOW TO APPEAL COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID DECISIONS IF CORONAVIRUS HAS IMPACTED YOU