Although there was some progress in coronavirus (COVID-19) relief negotiations between the Trump Administration and Congressional Democrats last week, it remains unlikely that lawmakers on Capitol Hill will enact a relief package before the election.  The outlook for passage in a lame-duck session of Congress is uncertain and will likely depend upon economic and stock market movement, a potential worsening of COVID-19 health outcomes, the results of the General Election, and the willingness of Republican Senators to vote for a package larger than what they have already proposed. RCRC continues to advocate for another round of relief funding for low-population counties.  In particular, we continue to press for the need for direct federal funding (avoiding any state pass-through) and minimal restrictions on the use of those monies.