The Trump administration is open to resuming coronavirus aid talks with Democratic leaders and would offer more aid money to try to reach a compromise, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Monday.
“The president is determined to spend what we need to spend. … We’re prepared to put more money on the table,” he told CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street.”
Mnuchin declined to say when he and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows would restart discussions with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer after negotiations ground to a halt on Friday. He said the Democratic leaders seemed “willing to compromise” as the sides stand trillions of dollars apart in what they want to spend to combat the pandemic’s damage to Americans’ health and wallets.
“Again, if we can get a fair deal we’re willing to do it this week,” Mnuchin said.
The Treasury secretary spoke after President Donald Trump attempted to offer coronavirus aid through executive order over the weekend. Officials in Washington do not see the president’s actions as a permanent fix, as they are limited in scope and constitutionally questionable.
Only legislation from Congress, which controls federal spending, would unquestionably enshrine lifelines designed to boost the U.S. health-care system and economy.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
