Republican 'skinny' coronavirus aid bill heads to defeat in U.S. Senate

The U.S. Capitol Hill building is seen through rain drops on a car wind shield in Washington

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Republican proposal to provide around $300 billion in new coronavirus relief was heading to defeat in the U.S. Senate on Thursday amid opposition from Democrats who say it falls far short of what is needed in the midst of a pandemic.

The procedural vote on the legislation was continuing, but backers appeared unable to get the 60 votes needed to advance the legislation in the 100-member chamber.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu)