President Joe Biden is letting Republicans know he is willing to move on without them in the process of passing another COVID-19 relief package.
While delivering remarks from the White House on Friday, Biden suggested he would like to see support from Republicans for his $1.9 trillion relief package, but will ultimately prioritize the needs of Americans.
“I believe the American people are looking right now to their government for help, to do our job, to not let them down,” Biden said.
He continued, “So I’m going to act, and I’m going to act fast. I’d like to be doing it with the support of Republicans. I’ve met with Republicans. There are some really fine people who want to get something done. But they’re just not willing to go as far as I think we have to go.”
Biden explained, “I’ve told both Republicans and Democrats, that’s my preference — to work together, but if I have to choose between getting help right now to Americans who are hurting so badly, and getting bogged down in a lengthy negotiation, or compromising on a bill that’s up to the crisis, that’s an easy choice.”
He made it clear he is going to choose the American people.
Watch his speech below:
Biden met with a group of Republican senators at the White House on Monday to discuss a downsized relief package, as IJR reported.
Despite a “productive” meeting, Biden refused to accept the proposal.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Biden told the Republicans “that he will not slow down work on this urgent crisis response, and will not settle for a package that fails to meet the moment.”
The relief proposal put forth by the Republicans is approximately one third the size of the president’s.
On Friday, the Senate approved a budget plan to allow Democrats to pass the package without the support of Republicans, as IJR reported.