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Sen. Warner 'optimistic' a COVID-19 relief package could come soon

Posted at 4:15 PM, Aug 06, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-06 17:17:21-04

We could see a new coronavirus relief package soon.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) told News 3 he’s optimistic that negotiators are making progress and we could see something by Friday or in the next few days.

Warner says some of the things he’s pushing for in this round include: more funding for schools, more funding for state and local governments, significant support for broadband, support for minority-owned businesses and extra funding for healthcare – especially for COVID-19 testing.

He says getting something passed soon is critical.

"We're at a period of unprecedented economic turmoil," said Sen. Warner, "When we did the CARES bill back in March it was a substantial investment, but we didn't expect, I don't think anyone fully expected us to to be in early August with these number of cases as they are, and so if we don’t take another bold step, I think we do run the possibility of seeing real economic destruction."

Warner says without some action soon, temporary furloughs could become permanent job losses.