Congress back for shortened session, McConnell says Senate will vote on coronavirus relief package

Members of Congress return Tuesday to Capitol Hill after their annual August recess amid little expectation that they will pass another coronavirus stimulus package, with the pandemic now nearly six months long.

Democrats and Republicans, led by a White House negotiating team, appear steadfast in their positions in the hyper-political homestretch of the presidential race. 

The Democrat-controlled House passed its measure in May and has been willing to bargain on a final price, but no less than $2.2 trillion. They argue that President Trump and Senate Republicans, at risk of losing their majority, won't help Americans struggling in the pandemic-created recession.

Republicans, led by White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, have held fast at roughly $1 trillion, raising concerns about running up debt before Election Day, as the economy makes a steady recovery.