President Joe Biden will meet with a group of Republican senators on Monday as bipartisan support for his $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill dwindles and ten GOP senators proposed their own measure.
According to The Hill, the group includes GOP Sens. Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Bill Cassidy (La.), Mitt Romney (Utah), Rob Portman (Ohio), Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.), Todd Young (Ind), Jerry Moran (Kan.), Mike Rounds (S.D.) and Thom Tillis (N.C.).
On Sunday, the GOP released their own COVID bill that pared down the $1.9 trillion in Biden’s plan to $600 billion and instead of offering $1400 stimulus checks, the Republicans are proposing $1000.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki gave no indication that Biden was considering abandoning his $1.9 trillion proposal for a smaller plan, the Hill reports. And Republicans have shown no signs of supporting a $1.9 trillion bill.
“The proposal we have outlined is mindful of these past efforts, while also acknowledging the priorities that need additional support right now,” the GOP senators said. “With your support, we believe Congress can once again craft a relief package that will provide meaningful, effective assistance to the American people and set us on a path to recovery.”
Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are ready to move forward with $1.9 trillion with out support from any Republicans. Sen. Bernie Sanders said on Sunday that Democrats have the votes to pass the relief bill.
