President Biden on Sunday invited a group of Republican senators to meet with him at the White House early this week after they proposed a more targeted economic relief package, but the administration gave no indication it is ready to budge from its original $1.9 trillion proposal.
"As has been widely reported, the President received a letter today from 10 Republican Senators asking to meet with him to discuss their ideas about the actions needed to address these crises," White House press secretary Jen Psaki
Jen PsakiMenendez calls for sanction on Russia after Navalny protests Biden signs executive orders at furious pace Biden, Yellen call for swift action on coronavirus relief package MORE said in a statement. "In response, the President spoke to Senator Collins, and invited her and other signers of the letter to come to the White House early this week for a full exchange of views."
Ten Senate Republicans, led by Sen. Susan Collins
Susan Margaret CollinsBiden reignites immigration fight in Congress Paul says Roberts's absence 'crystalized' argument against Trump impeachment Democrats ready to bypass Republicans on COVID-19 relief bill MORE (R-Maine), proposed their own framework earlier Sunday for a COVID-19 relief package. Sen. Bill Cassidy
Bill CassidySunday shows preview: New COVID-19 variants spread in US; Redditors shake Wall Street with Gamestop stock OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Biden signs series of orders to tackle climate change | Republicans press Granholm on fossil fuels during confirmation hearing Republicans press Granholm on fossil fuels during confirmation hearing MORE (R-La.), another senator involved in the effort, said on "Fox News Sunday" that the outline of the GOP package would total $600 billion and include direct payments of $1,000.
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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 was of necessary size and scope, making it unclear whether the two sides will find a path forward.
“With the virus posing a grave threat to the country, and economic conditions grim for so many, the need for action is urgent, and the scale of what must be done is large," Psaki said. "As leading economists have said, the danger now is not in doing too much: it is in doing too little. Americans of both parties are looking to their leaders to meet the moment."
Biden and other officials have done outreach to Republicans in an attempt to garner bipartisan support for his relief proposal. But GOP senators have largely balked at the price tag and pointed to the relief package Congress passed in December to argue it's not yet necessary to approve another large bill.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer
Chuck SchumerProposal for permanent Capitol fencing sparks bipartisan pushback Immigration reform can't wait Psaki expects DHS nominee Mayorkas to head task force to reunite separated families MORE (D-N.Y.) signaled last week that Democrats were willing to go it alone on the coronavirus relief package, potentially starting the process as soon as next week.
White House aides have been adamant that they do not support breaking up the $1.9 trillion package and passing it piece-by-piece to garner Republican support.
They have also indicated the administration is open to passing the package via the budget reconciliation process, which would allow the bill to pass with a simple majority in each chamber. Passing the legislation without reconciliation would require support from at least 10 Senate Republicans.
“I support passing Covid relief with support from Republicans if we can get it, but the covid relief has to pass. There's no ifs, ands or buts,” Biden said Friday when asked if he supports using reconciliation to pass the bill.
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February 01, 2021 at 09:01AM
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Biden invites GOP senators to White House for relief talks | TheHill - The Hill
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