Bipartisan Senate Group to Introduce Two-Part Coronavirus Relief Package

A bipartisan group of senators is expected to introduce a $908 billion coronavirus relief bill as soon as Monday, with a twist: The deal is expected to be split into two pieces, according to two people familiar with the negotiations.

One would be a $748 billion piece of coronavirus relief with less controversial items like schools and health care; the other would marry $160 billion in money for local governments with a temporary liability shield.

As the coronavirus death toll in the United States soars to almost 300,000, the question of Congress approving a new round of aid remains.

Negotiations were stalled for months, but on Dec. 1, a group of bipartisan lawmakers introduced a roughly $908 billion stimulus proposal while additional proposals were also introduced with some differences. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell initially rejected the bipartisan proposal, but then offered his own proposal aimed to support businesses.

Since then, lawmakers have continued to negotiate, but it’s unclear when Congress will pass a relief...