Washington – Some Republican senators have expressed concern about the $ 1.9 trillion price tag President Biden’s proposal for a new bill for coronavirusas Congressional Democrats are considering a process to pass the legislation without a Republican vote.
Congress passed a $ 900 billion bill late last month, but Mr. Biden and the Democrats in Congress have argued that more action is needed to stabilize the economy. Republicans have noted that not all of the funds provided by that law have been distributed.
“The government sent out a $ 1.9 trillion proposal weeks after we just passed $ 900 billion, which has not yet been accounted for,” GOP Senator Rob Portman told reporters on Tuesday. He argued that some provisions in Mr. Biden’s bill, such as raising the minimum wage to $ 15 an hour and providing cybersecurity funds, were unrelated to the pandemic.
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Democrats have the smallest possible majority in Parliament with 50 seats, and Vice President Kamala Harris declares a draw. Most legislation requires 60 votes to end the debate and trigger a full vote on the Senate floor. This means that Democrats must get support from 10 Republicans unless they choose to use a method of passing legislation known as budget reconciliation, requiring only a simple majority of votes.
Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said on Tuesday that he had told his fellow Democrats that they should be ready to vote on a budget resolution as early as next week, which would be the first step in the beginning of the budget reconciliation process.
“Our caucus is unified in the sense that we need big bold changes,” Schumer told reporters. However, he said “we always have hope [Republicans will] see the light, ”noting that Republicans could vote in favor of the proposal even if they continue to reconcile the budget.
Senator Bernie Sanders, the chair of the Senate Budget Committee, said Democrats were already writing budget reconciliation legislation.
“We’re working on it now,” Sanders said. ‘I think there is a consensus. If Republicans aren’t willing to get on board, that’s fine. We will not wait. We are moving forward quickly and aggressively. ‘
Republican Senator Todd Young told reporters on Monday that he does not think there will be a two-pronged COVID deal unless “there is significant movement by the government.” Mr Biden has pledged to work with Republicans, and Portman said on Tuesday it would be a “big mistake” if Democrats used budget reconciliation instead of trying to negotiate with Republicans to pass bipartisan legislation.
“ I think it will really be the call from the White House and the Democrats whether they want to work with a two-tiered team to improve legislation or whether they want to push through a reconciliation, a bill with only one party participating. Republican Senator Mitt Romney told reporters on Tuesday.
A bipartisan group of 16 senators spoke with Biden’s administration on Sunday to discuss coronavirus legislation. The one hour and 15 minute call was put up by moderate Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia.
While some attendees called the meeting “productive” and a good first step, Republican Senator Susan Collins, who attended the meeting, called it “premature” to discuss legislative action of this magnitude and scope. She said she would propose a more “targeted” package, focusing primarily on vaccine distribution.
Collins said she had received more information on the White House proposal on Monday, but needed even more details.
“The administration is sending and has sent us some data to give us more details about the specifics of the package. We just got that and are starting to go through it. So that’s a good step, but there is still no answer. the issue of the money still to be allocated, ”Collins told reporters on Tuesday.
Democrats still haven’t ruled out using budget alignment to weather coronavirus relief. Lawmakers “need to get it done,” Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar said Tuesday.
“I will not allow America’s unemployed people to be pushed off an economic cliff at a time when the numbers are rising,” Democratic Senator Ron Wyden told reporters on Monday.
Jack Turman contributed to reporting.