The end of the annual August recess isn’t likely to add momentum behind another pandemic relief package.
Negotiations between the White House and Democratic lawmakers hit a wall in early August, with the two sides far apart on the size and scope of what is needed.
Observers said two recent developments lower the odds for a relief deal: a better-than-expected August jobs report and an agreement to pass a “clean” continuing resolution to fund the government past Sept. 30.
“If they get a sense that the economy is getting better without any further relief from Congress, Congressional Republicans—they feel less ...