The White House and Democrats in the US Congress have moved closer to agreement on a new coronavirus relief package.
President Donald Trump says he is willing to accept a large aid bill despite opposition from his own Republican Party.
With two weeks to go until the US presidential election, Trump signaled a willingness on Tuesday to go along with more than $US2.2 ($A3.1) trillion in new COVID-19 relief, as Democrats had been pushing for months.
"I want to do it even bigger than the Democrats," Trump told Fox News, as talks between Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin continued with the goal of getting something to pass Congress before November 3.
Pelosi, speaking to reporters after a mid-afternoon call with Mnuchin, was asked about prospects for a legislative package by the end of this week.
"I hope so. That's the plan," she said. She gave no details of her conversation.
Afterward, Pelosi Deputy Chief of Staff Drew Hammill said a 45-minute call between the speaker and Mnuchin was productive "as they move closer to an agreement".
Hammill said negotiations will continue on Wednesday.
The White House has proposed $US1.8 trillion in coronavirus relief, while Pelosi is pushing for $US2.2 trillion.
Earlier on Tuesday, Pelosi told Bloomberg TV: "I'm optimistic, because I do think we have ... a shared value that finally they want to crush the virus. Hopefully by the end of the day today, we'll know where we all are."
Pelosi said aid to state and local governments and Republican demands for liability protection for businesses remain sticking points.
But she suggested the Democrats could find grounds to agree on liability protections if the administration agrees to eliminate certain language sought by Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell she believes would overshadow protections for workers.
Senate Republicans have repeatedly stated their opposition to additional COVID-19 relief spending near the $US2 trillion mark and have focused instead on smaller initiatives.
McConnell said if Pelosi and the White House reach a deal and it's passed by the House, the Senate would consider it.
"I'm aware discussions continue between the president and the Speaker about a larger package," he told reporters.
"Obviously, if that were to come over, we'd have to consider it. And would consider it."
Trump predicted that Senate Republicans would fall in line if Mnuchin and Pelosi reach a broad bipartisan deal. He also said he would be willing to accept a deal passed mainly with Democratic support.
Australian Associated Press
