Coronavirus relief bill: Republicans pitch trimmed down version, ask Biden for meeting
A group of Republican senators on Sunday pitched a trimmed down version of the coronavirus relief bill that they say could garner bipartisan support in a divided Congress.
The 10 GOP senators, who are proposing more targeted economic relief “for those Americans with the greatest need,” in a letter asked President Biden to meet with them to discuss their proposal.
Biden’s bill is $1.9 trillion, while the GOP bill is around one-third of that, or about $600 billion.
“In the spirit of bipartisanship and unity, we have developed a COVID-19 relief framework that builds on prior COVID assistance laws, all of which passed with bipartisan support,” the group of 10 senators wrote to Biden on Sunday. “Our proposal reflects many of your stated priorities, and with your support, we believe that this plan could be approved quickly by Congress with bipartisan support.
“We request the opportunity to meet with you to discuss our proposal in greater detail and how we can work together to meet the needs of the American people during this persistent pandemic,” added the group, which includes Maine Sen. Susan Collins and Utah Sen. Mitt Romney.
Biden’s bill would deliver $1,400 stimulus checks to most Americans, while the GOP bill would be more targeted.
“Our proposal also includes economic relief for those Americans with the greatest need, providing more targeted assistance than in the Administration’s plan,” the GOP group wrote. “We propose an additional round of economic impact payments for those families who need assistance the most, including their dependent children and adults.
“Our plan also includes extending enhanced federal unemployment benefits at the current level and fully funding your request for nutrition assistance to help struggling families,” they added.
Brian Deese, the top White House economic adviser who is leading the administration’s outreach to Congress, on Sunday indicated the White House could be open to negotiating on further limiting who would receive stimulus checks.
Ohio Sen. Rob Portman suggested the checks should go to individuals who make no more than $50,000 per year and families capped at $100,000 per year.
Under the Biden plan, families with incomes up to $300,000 could receive some stimulus money.
“That is certainly a place that we’re willing to sit down and think about, are there ways to make the entire package more effective?” Deese said.
The GOP proposal also includes a total of $160 billion for coronavirus vaccines, testing, treatment and personal protective equipment.
The GOP senators wrote, “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.”
Herald wire services were used in this report.
from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3ctwq2U
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