Virus Aid Deal Could Be Tough to Reach in Lame Duck

As the prospects for a new round of economic aid have slowly faded, attention is increasingly turning to whether a deal might come together in a lame-duck session of Congress, after campaigning has finished.

Political pressure preventing major legislation can dissipate after an election. But months of stalled talks have left those tracking relief efforts cynical about the prospects that a large agreement can happen in most lame-duck scenarios, casting more uncertainty on an economy that has been weak. Aides, lobbyists, analysts, and members of Congress appear skeptical that a deal can come together after little progress made. ...