WASHINGTON — Negotiations continue in the Senate over a massive stimulus plan to blunt the economic effects of the coronavirus as the spread of the disease worsens and economic losses mount. 

Washington, D.C. announced its first death from the disease on Friday, and nationwide, there are more than 260 deaths and over 19,600 confirmed cases. 

Republican and Democratic senators reconvene at noon Saturday, extending marathon negotiations from Friday that did not result in a deal. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had set midnight Friday as the deadline for an agreement. 

McConnell’s plan, which was released in full on Thursday, would, among other provisions, send direct payments of $1,200 to individuals and provide assistance to businesses affected by coronavirus. 

McConnell, R-Ky., aims to pass the bill by Monday. 

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In a letter to Democratic colleagues released Friday evening, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the stimulus “as written” a “non-starter,” saying it “puts corporations ahead of working people.”

The top Senate health care committee Democrat, Sen. Patty Murry, D-Wash., called McConnell’s plan “completely inadequate” as it relates to immediate relief for Americans and investment in public health infrastructure. 

More: Coronavirus updates: 3 states under stay-at-home orders, stocks post worst week since financial crisis

Sanders campaign says it raised more than $2 million for coronavirus relief

Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign announced Saturday morning it raised more than $2 million over a period of 48 hours for coronavirus relief.

“The people supporting this campaign have made more than 50,000 donations to help those most impacted by coronavirus because they understand that now more than ever it is important that we are in this together,” said Robin Curran, the Sanders campaign’s digital fundraising director.

The campaign said it sent text messages and emails to its campaign list to raise money for organizations assisting the coronavirus relief effort, including Meals on Wheels, No Kid Hungry, Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, One Fair Wage Emergency Fund, and the National Domestic Workers Alliance.

– Nicholas Wu

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