Pelosi, Schumer encouraged by Trump urging Republicans to back more coronavirus aid

WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on Wednesday they were encouraged by President Trump's tweet calling for Republicans to back "much higher numbers" in a new coronavirus relief package.

"We look forward to hearing from the president's negotiators that they will finally meet us halfway with a bill that is equal to the massive health and economic crises gripping our nation," Pelosi and Schumer said in a statement.

The House approved $3.4 trillion in new coronavirus aid in May, although Pelosi later dropped the Democrats' aid demand to about $2.2 trillion.

(Reporting by Susan Cornwell Editing by Chris Reese)