National Review
The West Virginia governor calls for large-scale encouragement: ‘If we throw away some money now, so what?’
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, a Republican, called for a large-scale economic relief bill on Monday in comments to CNN. Justice comments came after Senator Joe Manchin (D., WV) called for targeted economic relief to combat the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. Manchin rejected the idea of sending $ 2,000 stimulus checks to all Americans who earn less than $ 75,000 a year, calling for infrastructure projects “to get people back to work” instead. On Monday, however, the governor of justice indicated that he would not be too concerned about the price of a new relief bill. “We need to understand that trying to be, on its own, fiscally responsible right now with what is happening in the country – if we really throw away some money now, so what?” Justice told CNN’s Poppy Harlow. “We really need to move and take care of people, and put them back in balance.” Harlow pointed out that Senator Manchin called for more targeted aid efforts, however, Justice said he had not spoken to the senator about negotiations on the bill. “I really don’t know exactly what the thought could possibly be there,” said Justice. “We have people who are really suffering, and that is all there is to do.” ** Republican ** Governor of West Virginia @WVGovernor for me on Stimulus: “Trying to be fiscally responsible for what is happening in the country right now, if we really throw some money away now, so what?” He talked to @ Sen_JoeManchin? I ask. Pic.twitter.com/s93QMWze3m – Poppy Harlow (@PoppyHarlowCNN) February 1, 2021 Justice comments come several hours before President Biden meets with ten Senate Republicans to discuss a bill on Senate coronavirus relief Senator Rob Portman (R., Ohio) told CNN that the compromise bill includes more targeted relief, with checks of $ 1,000 for individuals earning $ 50,000 or less, and would be less expensive than than the $ 1.9 trillion bill proposed by Democrats. While Democrats may try to approve their proposal through budgetary reconciliation, allowing for simple majority voting and eliminating the possibility of obstruction that of the Republican Party, the party would need all 50 senators to vote in favor of the measure. This means that Manchin would need to agree to the proposal, as well as moderate colleague Kyrsten Sinema from Arizona.