White House, Democrats reach deal on coronavirus aid

The White House reached a sweeping agreement with congressional Democrats late Friday on a bill to provide relief to workers hurt by the coronavirus outbreak.

“We are proud to have reached an agreement with the Administration to resolve outstanding challenges, and now will soon pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote to her colleagues.

After some last-minute wrangling, President Trump tweeted his support for the measure shortly before 9 p.m., clearing the way for a bipartisan vote.

“This Bill will follow my direction for free CoronaVirus tests, and paid sick leave for our impacted American workers,” Mr. Trump said. “I have directed the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations that will provide flexibility so that in no way will Small Businesses be hurt.”

He added, “I encourage all Republicans and Democrats to come together and VOTE YES! I will always put the health and well-being of American families FIRST. Look forward to signing the final Bill, ASAP!”

Mrs. Pelosi had a dozen conversations with Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin throughout the day as they negotiated the details.

The package includes free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured; two weeks of guaranteed paid sick leave, as well as increased family leave; increased spending on unemployment benefits; more money to provide school lunches to students whose schools are closed; and an increase in Medicaid funding.

Mr. Trump had been pushing for a payroll tax cut through the end of the year, but Democrats opposed it.

Getting the White House’s approval means the Republican-controlled Senate would likely approve the measure sometime next week.

Lawmakers are planning to take up an even larger emergency response bill on the coronavirus in the weeks ahead. Congress has already approved an $8.3 billion measure to help states with their initial emergency health care responses.