President Biden on Friday defended the size of his $ 1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, even when he signaled critics that he would be willing to make some adjustments to gain his support.
The House is prepared to vote next week on Biden’s huge package while the Republican Party leadership is actively asking its members to reject legislation they have dubbed a bloated progressive wish list.
“I am grateful that the Senate and the House are moving quickly,” said Biden on Friday in Michigan, after visiting a Pfizer vaccine factory. “I am prepared to hear your ideas on how to make packaging better and cheaper. I am open to that.”
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Biden, however, suggested that Republicans should embark on their plan because the American people want them to “act big and fast.”
“My hope is that Republicans in Congress will listen to their constituents,” said Biden. “According to research, there is overwhelming bipartisan support.”
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Biden said the $ 1.9 trillion price tag is a genuine relief for Americans who need help. He pointed out details of the legislation, including helping the unemployed, small businesses, reopening schools, availability of vaccinations and Americans who are hungry and at risk of losing their homes.
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“We need Congress to approve my American rescue plan that deals with the immediate crisis, the urgency,” said Biden. “Now critics say my plan is too big. It costs $ 1.9 trillion. That’s a lot. Let me ask them: what do they want me to cut?”
Democrats control a narrow majority in both the House and the Senate. They are preparing to pass the coronavirus legislation under a process called budgetary reconciliation, which would not require any vote from the Republican Party if its caucus remained united.
President Joe Biden visits a Pfizer factory, Friday, February 19, 2021, in Portage, Michigan (AP Photo / Evan Vucci)
Biden has already backed down one of the project’s main components – raising the minimum wage to $ 15 – because of concerns that he may not comply with the Senate rules to approve reconciliation. In addition, two moderate Democrats – Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia – expressed opposition to the package’s $ 15 salary, making it even more difficult to pass in a 50% split Senate.
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“President Biden has been consistent in public and private about his commitment to raise the minimum wage to $ 15 an hour, which is why he included it in his first major piece of legislation,” said the White House Director of Rapid Response, Michael Gwin. “This commitment will remain unshakable, whether or not it can be done through reconciliation.”
During his visit to the Pfizer factory on Friday, Biden sought to give assurances that America was on track to defeat the virus, despite delays this week in sending 6 million doses of the vaccine due to the winter.
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“I believe we will be approaching normality by the end of this year,” said Biden. “God willing, this Christmas will be different than the last, but I can’t make that commitment to you.”
Griff Jenkins of Fox News contributed to this report.