U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, who will be the most powerful Republican in Washington after the inauguration, has put responsibility for the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol at the feet of President Donald Trump. (Photo: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

Reuters - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Tuesday he is open to a $500 billion package aimed at alleviating economic pain from the coronavirus pandemic, but the Republican added he has not had any private discussions with Democrats who control the House of Representatives or President-elect Joe Biden, also a Democrat.