President Biden invited a group of Republican senators to meet with him at the White House early this week after proposing a more targeted economic aid package on Sunday, but the government gave no indication that it is willing to give in to its original $ 1 proposal , 9 trillion.
“As has been widely reported, the president today received a letter from 10 Republican senators requesting that they meet with him to discuss their ideas on the measures needed to address these crises,” said White House press secretary. Jen Psaki
Jen Psaki Menendez calls for sanction against Russia after Navalny protests Biden signs executive orders at breakneck speed Biden, Yellen calls for swift action on coronavirus aid package MORE said in a statement. “In response, the president spoke with Senator Collins and invited her and other signatories to the letter to come to the White House early this week for a full discussion.”
Ten Senate Republicans, led by Sen. Susan Collins
Susan Margaret Collins Biden rekindles immigration fight in Congress Paul says Roberts’ absence ‘crystallizes’ argument against Trump impeaching Democrats ready to bypass Republicans on COVID-19 emergency MORE (R-Maine), proposed their own framework for a COVID-19 aid package earlier Sunday. Sen. Bill Cassidy
Bill CassidySunday Shows Preview: New COVID-19 Variants Distributed in US; Redditors Shake Wall Street With Gamestop Stock OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Biden Signs Batch of Orders to Address Climate Change | Republicans press on Granholm about fossil fuels during confirmation hearing Republicans press on Granholm about fossil fuels during confirmation hearing MORE (R-La.), Another senator involved in the effort, said on “Fox News Sunday” that the GOP package would total $ 600 billion in perimeter and include $ 1,000 direct payments.
Biden has already proposed a $ 1.9 trillion package that includes $ 1,400 in direct payments, funding for schools and state and local governments, and money to ramp up vaccine distribution.
But Psaki’s statement underscored the White House’s position that Biden’s original proposal had the necessary scope and scope, leaving it unclear whether the two sides will find a path forward.
“With the virus posed a serious threat to the country and economic conditions for so many dire, the need for action is urgent and the scale of what needs to be done is vast,” said Psaki. “As leading economists have said, the danger now is not in doing too much: it is in doing too little. Americans on both sides look forward to their leaders meeting the moment.”
Biden and other officials have reached out to Republicans in an effort to gain bipartisan support for his proposal for aid. But GOP senators have largely opposed the price tag, pointing to the aid package that Congress passed in December to argue that there is no need to approve another major bill just yet.
Leader of the majority of the Senate Charles Schumer
Chuck Schumer Permanent Capitol Fence Proposal Provides Bipartite Pushback Immigration Reform Can’t Wait Psaki Expects DHS Nominee Mayorkas Will Lead Task Force To Reunite Divorced Families MORE (DN.Y.) indicated last week that Democrats were willing to go it alone with the coronavirus aid package, possibly starting the process as early as next week.
White House aides were adamant that they are not in favor of breaking up the $ 1.9 trillion package and passing it on one by one to gain Republican backing.
They also indicated that the administration is open to approval of the package through the budget reconciliation process, allowing the bill to be passed by a simple majority in any chamber. Passing the legislation without reconciliation would require the support of at least 10 Senate Republicans.
“I support passing Covid aid with support from Republicans if we can get it, but the Covid relief must pass. There’s no ifs, and or buts, ” Biden said Friday when asked if he supports the use of reconciliation to approve the bill.