Author: Nicholas Wu, USA TODAY

This short-term extension of government funding would be the second time Congress has punted a shutdown deadline this month.

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., the second-ranking Senate Republican, said he believed personal checks of $600 or $700 were part of discussions.

In a 10-minute speech, McConnell congratulated President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris.

The Big Cat Public Safety Act would allow existing facilities to keep their big cats but prohibit most contact between the public and the animals.

“Right now, Georgia remains too close to call,” said Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican. “There will be a recount.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters the process was not directed at Trump and was intended to clarify the procedure for future presidents.

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., said Trump “should have been very clear” in denouncing white supremacists during Tuesday’s debate in Cleveland.

President Donald Trump called the controversy over the Postal Service a “hoax” and urged Republicans to vote no.

The GOP speakers have all been Trump critics. One even donated $500,000 to the Biden Victory Fund at the end of June, according to campaign records.