Senate Democrats weigh merging coronavirus relief and infrastructure into a massive multi-trillion-dollar package that could pass without GOP votes
Senate Democrats are weighing whether to combine an infrastructure bill and coronavirus relief legislation into a single, massive multi-trillion-dollar package that could pass without Republican votes, two Democratic aides familiar with the discussions tell Insider.
The ongoing talks reflect a desire among Democrats to swiftly capitalize on their new Senate majority with President-elect Joe Biden set to assume office in less than a week. They are poised to control both chambers of Congress and the White House for the first time in a decade - and it could pave the way for renewed legislative efforts on the economy and climate among other areas.
The aides spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly share details. Both cautioned that discussions were in their early stages and nothing was final.
Biden has repeatedly said he aims to pass another large coronavirus relief package shortly after being sworn in. Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the incoming majority leader, called it their "first order of legislative business" in a letter to Democratic colleagues on Tuesday, which is expected to include additional stimulus checks and small business aid.
Democratic congressional leaders have signaled they intend to use a legislative maneuver called budget reconciliation to enact swaths of their agenda. It only requires a majority vote, meaning Democrats could circumvent Republicans and approve it on their own with 50 votes plus Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as the tie-breaker.
Sen. Bernie Sanders - who is set to chair the Senate Budget Committee - has said he is in touch with other committee leaders and Biden on how to maximize their use of the reconciliation process. They can exercise it twice this year.
Senate Democrats weigh merging coronavirus relief and infrastructure into a massive multi-trillion-dollar package that could pass without GOP votes (msn.com)
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by MMC
