MNI BRIEF:McConnell Bends Liability 'Red Line' in Relief Talks

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed another slimmed-down relief package Tuesday, saying Congress should pass something this year while leaving state and local government aid and his own "red line" on firms' legal liability around Covid-19 to settle later.

"We will be back at this after the first of the year" when the Biden administration will be asking for another relief package, McConnell said in a press conference, in reference to leaving out the most contentious issues for now. In past rounds of talks he insisted on a provision for liability.

The Kentucky Republican advocated a package before year-end with items both political parties can agree on, including additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, vaccine delivery and assistance for health care workers. "We can't leave without doing a Covid bill," he said.