As people across the globe still work to get a handle on the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing economic crisis and a recent surge in cases in the United States are front and center on the agenda of federal lawmakers.

Iowa U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says discussions are ongoing between the White House and Republican Senate leadership about another relief package as it relates to the difficulties incurred by millions of Americans as a result of the novel coronavirus, economic closures to try and contain the disease, and the ongoing difficulty in recovery for many from the hardship of job loss and the virus itself.

Grassley says an aid package soon to be formally drafted would include another round of potential direct payments to citizens, an extension of enhanced unemployment benefits, additional funding for health care, and potential financing for vaccines as they clear hurdles in advanced medical trials.

Republicans in the U.S. Senate have rejected a bill passed by the U.S. House on May 15th — the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, or “Heroes Act,” which would provide $3 trillion in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and Grassley says the GOP intends to spend closer to $1 trillion in the next, and possibly final major aid package.