Biden officials hold appeal with bipartisan group of senators on coronavirus relief plan

President Biden’s administration officials on Sunday held a call with a bipartisan group of senators to discuss the White House’s proposed relief package for COVID-19 of $ 1.9 trillion.

Several senators confirmed their participation in the call, with a few Democratic senators calling the conversation “productive.”

Majority Whip in the Senate Dick durbinDick DurbinCapitol insurrection fallout: A PATRIOT Act 2.0? Sunday shows preview: All eyes on Biden administration to tackle coronavirus overnight health care – Fauci: Lack of facts ‘likely’ claimed lives in coronavirus fight CDC changes guidelines on COVID-19 vaccine to allow rare mix of Pfizer and Moderna Senate chaos threatens to slow Biden’s agenda READ MORE (D-Ill.) Called the discussion “refreshing” and said it was “long overdue” for the White House to be “fully engaged in the fight against this pandemic with an emphasis on science and federal leadership ”.

“In the spirit of unity that we saw on the Western Front of the Capitol on Wednesday, the Senate must come together on a bipartite basis and provide the resources the American people need to survive this pandemic and these long financial difficulties. “, did he declare.

His. Angus kingAngus King The next pandemic could be cyber – How the Biden administration can stop it Biparty Senate gang to speak with Biden aide on coronavirus relief Angus King warns of Trump’s ‘grave danger’ revealing PLUS classified information (I-Maine) said in a tweet that the call focused on “political solutions”, adding that it was “notable in itself”.

“Let’s continue to work together to speed up vaccine delivery and support Americans during this pandemic,” he said.

Brian DeeseBrian Deese The Memo: Biden Bets He Can Do It All The Hill’s 12:30 Report: Next Steps In Trump’s Impeachment The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden’s Crisis Agenda Hits Headwinds MORE, the director of the National Economic Council, organized the Zoom private appeal which 16 senators, eight from each party, were invited to attend, according to reports by CNN and The Washington Post.

Senators present at the call reportedly called for aid to be targeted to those most in need and called for vaccine distribution to be the top priority.

Upper House lawmakers polled White House officials on the call, which lasted more than an hour, to find out where the stimulus money is essential, what is the rationale for some high spending, and whether Proposed direct checks of $ 1,400 could be more tailored to those in need. , several people involved told The Post and CNN.

Louisa terrellLouisa terrell, the director of legislative affairs for the White House, and Jeff ZientsJeff Zients Disjointed vaccine distribution poses early test for Biden Biden under pressure to deliver more COVID-19 vaccines Fauci: We’re not ‘starting from zero’ on vaccine distribution MORE, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, also joined the call that was allegedly organized by the senator. Joe manchinJoseph (Joe) ManchinOVERNIGHT ENERGY: Biden EPA Calls on Justice Department to Suspend Defense of Trump Era Rules | Company appeals rejection of Pebble Mine | Energy pick Granholm is due to be heard on Wednesday Nomination hearing for Biden Energy’s choice Granholm is scheduled for Wednesday Senate bipartisan gang to speak with Biden’s aide on coronavirus relief MORE (DW.Va.).

The White House did not immediately return a request for comment.

Before the call, Deese told reporters he wanted to stress to senators that “we are at a precarious time for the virus and the economy,” noting that “decisive action” is needed to avoid “falling into a very serious economic hole, ”according to the Post.

The $ 1.9 trillion plan also includes an extension of emergency unemployment benefits after mid-March and an increase in the federal minimum wage to $ 15 an hour, in addition to direct checks.

Several Republicans have criticized the Biden administration’s plan as being too expensive, with GOP senators expressing specific concerns about the minimum wage increase on the call, two people familiar to the Post told the Post.

“There are still a lot of unanswered questions, including how did the administration find the required $ 1.9 trillion, given that our numbers show that there is still around $ 1.8 trillion left to spend, “Sen. Susan collinsSusan Margaret Collins The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden’s crisis agenda hits the headwinds GOP senators say only a few Republicans will vote to condemn Trump For Biden, Senate trial could help bipartisanship around COVID PLUS relief (R-Maine) told the Post. “We hope to obtain more data documenting their need.”

Several Republicans have suggested that Biden and the Democrats might have better luck passing individual pieces of the relief bill rather than the full package.

“The president wants to extend unemployment benefits if people are still unemployed, that’s definitely something we would consider. Last time around, we felt that states needed help, rescue for states and communities that might have suffered a reduction in their income. It’s appropriate, but the total number is quite shocking, if you will ”. His. Mitt RomneyWillard (Mitt) Mitt RomneySunday Shows Preview: All Eyes On Biden Administration To Tackle Coronavirus The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden Crisis Program Hits Headwinds GOP Senators Say Only A Few Republicans Will Vote to condemn Trump PLUS (R-Utah) said Sunday morning.

But a person on the call told CNN that the White House is still looking to move forward with the $ 1.9 trillion package instead of breaking it up into several parts into smaller bills.

“President Biden and his advisers will continue to engage and consult with bipartisan groups of lawmakers, including today, to explain why urgent action is needed to bring relief to hard-hit communities and families and more resources for those responsible. public health so we can increase vaccinations, ”a White House official told the network.