President Biden on Sunday invited a group of Republican senators to meet with him in the White House earlier this week after proposing a more targeted economic relief package, but the government gave no indication that they were ready for the original proposal. of $ 1.9 billion.
“As has been widely reported, the President received a letter today from ten Republican senators asking him to meet with him to discuss their ideas on the actions needed to address these crises,” the press secretary said. the White House said. Jen Psaki
Jen PsakiMenendez calls for sanctions against Russia after Navalny protests Biden signs executive orders at breakneck pace Biden, Yellen calls for swift action on coronavirus relief package MORE said in a statement. “In response, the president spoke to Senator Collins and invited her and other signatories of the letter to come to the White House earlier this week for a full exchange of views.”
Ten Republicans of the Senate, led by Sen. Susan Collins
Susan Margaret CollinsBiden redesigns immigration battle in Congress Paul says the absence of Roberts’ ‘crystallized’ argument against Trump accuses Democrats ready to bypass Republicans over COVID-19 bill MORE (R-Maine), earlier Sunday proposed their own framework for a COVID-19 aid package. Sen. Bill Cassidy
Bill CassidySunday shows preview: New COVID-19 variants distributed in the US; Redditors shake Wall Street with Gamestop stock OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Biden signs series of orders to tackle climate change | Republicans press Granholm on fossil fuels during confirmation trial Republicans press Granholm on fossil fuels during confirmation trial MORE (R-La.), Another senator involved in the effort, told Fox News Sunday that the outline of the GOP package would amount to $ 600 billion and include direct payments of $ 1,000.
Biden has already proposed a $ 1.9 billion package that includes direct payments of $ 1400, funding for schools and state and local governments, and money to promote the distribution of vaccines.
But Psaki’s statement underscores the White House’s position that Biden’s original proposal was of the required size and scope, making it unclear whether the two parties would find a way forward.
“As the virus poses a serious threat to the country, and the economic conditions are so difficult for so many, the need for action is urgent, and the scale of what needs to be done is huge,” Psaki said. said, the danger is not to do too much: it is to do too little. Americans from both parties are looking forward to their leaders to meet the moment. ‘
Biden and other officials reached out to Republicans in an effort to garner dual support for his emergency relief proposal. But GOP senators have largely shrugged off the price, pointing to the aid package adopted by Congress in December to argue that it is not yet necessary to approve another major bill.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer
Chuck Schumer Proposal for Permanent Capitol Fencing Sparks Dual Backlash Immigration Reform Can’t Wait Psaki Expects DHS-Named Mayorkas to Lead Task Force to Reunite Divorced Families (DN.Y.) indicated last week that Democrats are willing to tackle it alone for the coronavirus relief package, which is likely to begin the process as early as next week.
White House staffers were adamant that they would not pass up the $ 1.9 billion package and pass it on piece by piece to garner Republican support.
They also indicated that the administration is prepared to implement the package through the budget reconciliation process, which will allow the bill to pass by a simple majority in each chamber. To pass the legislation without conciliation would require at least ten Senate Republicans to support it.
‘I support Covid relief with the support of Republicans if we can get it, but the covid relief must succeed. There are no aspects, and or not, “Biden said on Friday when asked if he used the conciliation to pass the bill.