Handicapping a New Pandemic Relief Bill

Playbook: “Here’s why you should be a tad bit optimistic about the status of Covid relief negotiations: The two sides are talking, they are exchanging paper, and both sides say they want an agreement. We always thought that the two sides needed a must-pass deadline — and they have one: the Dec. 11 government funding date.”

“Here’s why you should be pessimistic: The two sides really haven’t moved that much on the issues, and time is short. State and local funding and liability overhaul remain big, big issues.”