Millions of Americans remain infected with COVID-19 and over 250,000 have perished while the country suffers an economic collapse. As lawmakers scramble to put together a bill to relieve many Americans at this time, they also have the support of president-elect Joe Biden.
Biden revealed that he is backing a bipartisan bill aimed at bringing COVID-19 relief to Americans who are struggling financially at this time while helping to keep the economy afloat. The $908 billion aid bill was proposed by Democratic Senator Joe Manchin and Republican Senator Susan Collins among other lawmakers and was later endorsed by Democrats House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Biden added that he wants Congress to pass a bill immediately while assuring more aid to come in 2021.
“In the spirit of compromise, we believe the bipartisan framework introduced by senators yesterday should be used as the basis for immediate bipartisan, bicameral negotiations,” said Pelosi and Schumer. They have added that they would attempt to build on the same approach with Congressional support from a bipartisan coalition.
The bill entails a $300 weekly unemployment benefit while $160 billion will be given to state and local governments as well as universities and schools. The bill will also revive the paycheck protection subsidies of small businesses and relieve transit systems and airlines. The announcement of this proposal also seems targeted towards Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has insisted on pushing a $550 GOP plan. McConnell’s proposal has failed twice. Although McConnell has not commented on the latest approach taken, Republican Senator John Thune revealed that Republican leaders may agree to merge both proposals.
Meanwhile, top infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci has revealed that he will be meeting with Biden’s transition team Thursday. Dr. Fauci was initially a key adviser in the White House COVID-19 task force until the relationship soured between him and Donald Trump. Biden has often expressed support for Dr. Fauci as an expert for guidelines in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’m very pleased that today we’re having the first discussion about a number of things, vaccinations, and things like that,” said Dr. Fauci.