GOP senator: Recess is "unfathomable" before passing next COVID-19 bill

Republican Sen. Cory Gardner (Colo.) tweeted on Wednesday that it is "unfathomable" for the Senate to take its planned one-week recess before passing additional coronavirus relief legislation.

The state of play: The Democrat-led House passed a $3 trillion coronavirus bill last week, but the proposal is considered dead on arrival in the Senate. President Trump has said he's "in no rush" to pass another new stimulus package.

• But state and local lawmakers warn they're facing massive budget shortfalls and many are hoping for federal assistance.

Gardner, who's facing a tough re-election bid this fall, said that before leaving, Congress should:

• "Address ongoing public health crisis with nursing homes & assisted living centers."
• "Modify PPP rescue program to reflect ongoing challenges by employees & employers."
• "Pass a stimulus bill to address growing unemployment & help states reopen."

What he's saying: The Colorado senator wrote, "Our country is facing the worst stretch of American job losses on record – we must provide new incentives to get our country back to work."