Nancy Pelosi

More than 20 Republicans will sue in federal court to stop proxy voting in the House during the pandemic. Democrats approved the measure along a party line vote earlier this month.

The House majority leader initially told House Democrats the chamber would convene next week. A bipartisan task force is looking at options for remote voting and committee work.

It is the fourth measure approved by Congress in less than two months to combat the pandemic. This one, totaling $484 billion, will supply fresh funding to a new small business lending program.

House Democrats had sought to permit voting by proxy during the coronavirus pandemic and allow remote committee meetings. Republican opposition forced the speaker to hold off.

Senate Majority Leader McConnell wants another $250 billion for small businesses. Top Democrats are asking for $250 billion more for state and local governments, but the White House is pushing back.

The House speaker said the new select committee, chaired by Rep. James Clyburn, will focus on accountability and transparency in the new spending and programs to address the pandemic.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it could be several weeks before any bipartisan legislation. She also said she would not be tested herself, despite an apparent new case among her members.

The CARES Act offers relief to state and local governments, individuals, small and large businesses, and hospitals affected by the coronavirus crisis.

The House speaker said a Senate agreement could be "done in the next few hours." The remarks are a boost for an approximately $2 trillion deal to revitalize an economy hobbled by the outbreak.

The House is in recess, but senators return to Washington this week to take up the House-passed financial aid bill to address the economic threat to workers posed by the coronavirus.