Meadows Says He's 'Optimistic' About a Virus Vaccine in the Coming Weeks

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said Wednesday he is "encouraged" by recent developments in Congress as lawmakers work to deliver another round of COVID-19 relief.

Meadows spoke to reporters outside the White House a day after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House will remain in session until a deal is reached.

There was also growing momentum in Congress for a $1.5 trillion rescue package endorsed by the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of about 50 lawmakers who seek common solutions to issues.

Meadows called the Problem Solvers Caucus proposal "very thoughtful" and "very meaningful," and said while he understands the group doesn't speak for Pelosi, if their plan "provides a foundation where there's really a desire to do a deal, we're encouraged by that."

The chief of staff also expressed optimism about the prospects of a vaccine in the coming weeks.

Meadows said with the number of trials currently taking place, a vaccine will be available to the American public in "record speed."

He pointed to Pfizer, which announced it could have results from its late-stage coronavirus vaccine trial as early as October.

"They're very optimistic that they can have something by the by the end of October. And so worst case scenario, we're talking six weeks," said Meadows.

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