President Biden on Sunday invited a group of Republican senators to meet with him at the White House earlier this week after proposing a more targeted economic relief package, but the government has given no indication that it is ready to change its proposal. original $ 1.9 trillion.
“As was widely publicized, the president received a letter today from 10 Republican senators asking to meet with him to discuss his ideas on the actions needed to face these crises,” said the White House press secretary. Jen Psaki
Jen PsakiMenendez calls for sanction against Russia after Navalny protests. Biden signs executive orders at a furious pace. Biden and Yellen call for quick action on coronavirus relief package MORE said in a statement. “In response, the president spoke to Senator Collins and invited her and other signatories to the letter to come to the White House earlier this week for a wide exchange of views.”
Ten Senate Republicans, led by the Sen. Susan Collins
Susan Margaret CollinsBiden reignites immigration struggle in Congress Paul says that Roberts’ absence ‘crystallized’ the argument against Trump’s impeachment. Democrats ready to bypass Republicans in the COVID-19 relief bill MORE (R-Maine), proposed its own structure the previous Sunday for a relief package COVID-19. Sen. Bill Cassidy
Bill CassidySunday shows a preview: New variants of COVID-19 spread across the USA; Redditors shake Wall Street with Gamestop shares ENERGY OF THE NIGHT: Biden signs a series of requests to tackle climate change | Republicans pressure Granholm on fossil fuels during confirmation hearing Republicans pressure Granholm on fossil fuels during confirmation hearing MORE (R-La.), Another senator involved in the effort, said on “Fox News Sunday” that the draft Republican Party package would total $ 600 billion and include direct payments of $ 1,000.
Biden has already proposed a $ 1.9 trillion package that includes $ 1,400 in direct payments, financing for schools and state and local governments and money to increase vaccine distribution.
But Psaki’s statement underscored the White House’s position that Biden’s original proposal was of the necessary size and scope, making it uncertain whether the two sides would find a way forward.
“With the virus posing a serious threat to the country and the bleak economic conditions for so many, the need for action is urgent and the scale of what needs to be done is large,” said Psaki. “As the leading economists said, the danger now it is not doing too much: it is doing too little. Americans from both parties hope their leaders will find the moment. “
Biden and other officials made contact with Republicans in an attempt to garner bipartisan support for his relief proposal. But Republican Party senators were largely hesitant about the price and pointed to the aid package approved by Congress in December to argue that there is still no need to pass another major bill.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer
Chuck SchumerP Capitol’s permanent fencing proposal sparks bipartisan resistance Immigration reform can’t wait Psaki expects DHS nominee Mayorkas to head the task force to bring separate families together MORE (DN.Y.) signaled last week that Democrats were willing to go it alone in the coronavirus relief package, potentially starting the process next week.
White House advisers have said they do not support breaking the $ 1.9 trillion package and going over it piece by piece to garner Republican support.
They also indicated that the government is open to approving the package through the budgetary reconciliation process, which would allow the project to be approved by a simple majority in each chamber. Passing legislation without reconciliation would require the support of at least 10 Senate Republicans.
“I support the passage of relief to Covid with the support of the Republicans if we can, but the coveted relief has to pass. There are no ifs, ands or buts, ”said Biden on Friday when asked if he supports the use of reconciliation to approve the project.