South Dakota’s GOP Sen. Mike Rounds on Sunday said consensus and passage of a COVID-19 relief package in the Senate is “not that far off” despite insistence by Democrats that a minimum wage component be included in the bill.
In an interview on NBC News’ “Meet The Press,” Rounds also expressed confidence that an infrastructure is “one area where we may be able to work together on things.”
“I really don't think we're that far off with regard to the direction for COVID relief, specifically in targeted areas,” he said. “I think we all want to make sure we properly funded the availability of vaccines. A good plan for getting it out in all states.”
According to Rounds, “the real challenge is whether or not Democrats are prepared to release some of the items that are not specifically targeted to COVID relief,” including the minimal wage requirement that Democrats want included.
“If you're going to talk about an emergency operation, why would you then include and demand that that be a part of it?” he said. “I think that's just looking for a way not to get some things done that might very well have to be done in the next couple weeks.”
“Let's go back in and focus once again on COVID relief,” he added. “I'll say this again, Republicans and Democrats alike want to get ahead of this as quickly as we can… Let's focus on those things that we can get done that we agree are specifically targeted to COVID relief.”
Rounds said the issue of impeachment of former President Donald Trump is a “moot point,” and predicted Democrats “would have a very difficult time in trying to get done within the Senate. “
“We should allow this president the opportunity to form his Cabinet and get that in place as quickly as possible,” he said of the confirmation of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet picks.
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