Senators: Trump aid package could approach $1T

Congressional leaders are vowing swift action on legislation to deal with the staggering health and financial aspects of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States.

As part of a proposed economic rescue not seen since the Great Recession in 2008, President Donald Trump wants checks sent to the public within two weeks as part of a package that officials said could approach a cost of $1 trillion.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promised the Senate would not adjourn until the package was passed.

“Obviously, we need to act,” McConnell said after meeting White House officials at the Capitol.

But first, McConnell said, the Senate will vote on the House's $100 billion package of sick pay, emergency food and free testing that's on track for Trump's signature - a sign of how difficult it will be for Congress to consider the new, bigger effort.

Senators gathered as Americans across the country were implored to heed advice and avoid crowds.

Bigger than the 2008 bank bailout or the 2009 recovery act, the White House proposal aims to provide a massive tax cut for wage-earners, $50 billion for the airline industry and $250 billion for small businesses.

Senate Democrats produced their own $750 billion proposal, which includes $400 billion to shore up hospitals and other emergency operations in response to the global pandemic and $350 billion to bolster the safety net with unemployment checks and other aid to Americans.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.