President Joe Biden's proposed $1.9 trillion stimulus plan reportedly faces challenges from moderate Republicans in the Senate.
Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Mitt Romney, R-Utah, expressed doubt about another stimulus package, especially one with such a steep price tag less than a month after Congress passed a $900 billion measure, per CNBC. Both senators were members of the bipartisan group that crafted December’s stimulus bill framework.
While GOP criticism had been expected, comments from Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., also signaled the bill will need to be edited to have a chance to pass. After originally shooting down a third stimulus entirely, Manchin said he prefers checks targeted for people who really need financial help. He also said the nation's infrastructure was a higher priority.
Biden began his term on Wednesday with Democrats holding a relatively small majority in the House and 50-50 Senate where Vice President Kamala Harris holds the tiebreaking vote.
A CNBC source said National Economic Council Director Brian Deese was scheduled to meet with a group of bipartisan senators to address concerns with the bill.
Expected to advocate Biden's original plan, Deese reportedly also will consider input from Republican members who could help pass the measure without the tedious budget reconciliation process that would allow it to get through with only Democrat votes.
Deese didn't immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment.
Meanwhile, the Democrat-held House could move to pass components of Biden's proposal as soon as the first week of February.
Representatives will work in committees throughout next week "so that we are completely ready to go to the floor" with a bill when the chamber returns next month, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Thursday.
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