A bipartisan group of lawmakers is unveiling a $908 billion coronavirus relief proposal in an effort to end the longstanding stalemate between Democrats and the White House.
“We’re battling COVID-19 more fiercely now than we ever have before. We recognize that. It’s inexcusable for us to leave town and not have an agreement,” Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) said during a press conference Tuesday.
He added, “It’s not the time for political brinkmanship. You’ll not see any of that here today on this stage. We’re going to intend to move this forward after months of failing to act for one reason or another. We’re not blaming anybody for why they haven’t come to an agreement.”
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) stressed it is “absolutely essential that we pass emergency relief.”
A reporter asked Manchin how quickly they could prepare a bill ready for a vote.
“We’ve worked diligently on that and we would have one ready very soon. I mean we can put one together. We have to do something before the next two weeks,” Manchin said.
Check out his comments below:
"We have to do something before the next two weeks," Sen. Joe Manchin tells @nancycordes about COVID relief.
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 1, 2020
He says Pelosi and McConnell haven't given assurances about a vote on another bill, "but I think the American people will put the pressure" https://t.co/Nj065D03oX pic.twitter.com/SexprjSMVb
He claimed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have not given assurances on a vote on the bill.
“I think the American people will put the pressure showing that there’s a group of us coming together that this needs to be done. This is the only group that’s made an effort that they’ve made right now,” Manchin said.
He continued, “This is the only group that’s come together in such a large gathering and many more people involved. So we know the needs there. We’re determined not to go home until we do something.”
The proposal provides funding for state and local governments, unemployment benefits, and small businesses.
A bipartisan group of senators on Tuesday proposed a $908 billion coronavirus stimulus package, in one of the few concrete steps toward COVID relief made by Congress in several month
— Alayna Treene (@alaynatreene) December 1, 2020
Here's the framework: https://t.co/Dhli52icvt pic.twitter.com/6mHCdLVaoV
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Pelosi are expected to speak Tuesday, as IJR previously reported.
“I will be speaking to the Speaker this afternoon, we’re going to talk about where we are on the appropriations issue. Keeping the government running, that is the first priority. And I’m sure we’ll also be mentioning COVID Relief,” Mnuchin said.
