Why the next coronavirus bill will be the toughest test yet for both Democrats and Republicans

Pelosi and McConnell must once again bridge the parties if they're to reach a timely deal — but their differences have widened dramatically, writes US political correspondent Griffin Connolly

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, wearing a face covering, walks past a bust of President Abraham Lincoln as she arrives on Capitol Hill for a debate on a bailout during the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by AP) (AP)

On the $2.2trn coronavirus relief package in March known as the CARES Act, Congressman Thomas Massie and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez were the sole objectors.

A month later, on a $484bn follow-up relief bill, three conservative House Freedom Caucus members and Kentucky GOP Senator Rand Paul joined them in opposition (if not officially, then verbally).

Now, with lawmakers from the outer wings of each party increasingly -- and more vocally -- dissatisfied with the final products that have landed on Donald Trump's desk and become law, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell face their toughest test yet to reach a compromise on an essential fifth coronavirus response bill that politicos are calling "CARES 2."