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Republicans are planning to push back on the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill.
“If the Democrats continue down the path they’re on, and that is to not make any attempt to try and get Republican input or ideas, it makes it hard for any of our members, even those that might be inclined to do so to vote for it, to vote for anything,” John Thune, Senate Minority Whip, told CNN.
According to CNN Politics, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Democrats’ plan is “totally partisan.”
“I’m sure everybody would love to get a check,” McConnell said. “But they haven’t yet learned about what else is in it and part of our job as the substantial minority, remember we’re in a 50-50 Senate here, is to make sure the American people fully understand what’s being proposed.”
Democrats are not looking to compromise on the plan.
“Democrats remain committed to working with our colleagues from the other side of the aisle… to improve the bill,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said. “But at the end of the day, the American people sent us here with a job to do, and the clock is ticking. Democrats will not wait to move forward with the American rescue plan.”
Some Republicans think that the provisions in the bill are questionable.
“As more people find out what’s in this bill — and what’s not in this bill — they get more furious,” Anthony Scalise, House Minority Whip, said. “Sunshine is the best disinfectant for liberal policies.”
What will the money be spent on?
“That really has to be fine-turned,” Rep. Brad Wenstrup, co-chair of the GOP Doctors Caucus, said. “If we’re spending this kind of money, what is it actually going for, right now, to reopen schools?”
In addition to the $1400, the bill includes: enhanced unemployment benefits, rental assistance, SNAP benefits, money for childcare, an increase of the minimum wage ($15), an increase of tax credits, subsidies for health insurance premiums, emergency paid leave, grant programs for small businesses, aid for states and schools, support for vaccine distribution and testing.
“The people are with us,” Senator Jon Ossoff said. “Would be an example of an inside-the-Beltway partisan perspective clouding the judgement of politicians who should be working together.”
