Democratic leader, White House official continue COVID-19 relief talks, major differences remain

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday continued talks on the next COVID-19 relief package, but there are still major differences to be bridged in key areas.

"Speaker Pelosi and Secretary Mnuchin spoke by phone today at 1 p.m. The two discussed further clarifications on amounts and language but distance on key areas remain," Drew Hammill, spokesman and deputy chief of staff for the House speaker, said on Twitter, adding "their conversation will continue this afternoon."