WASHINGTON — Ten Republican senators, including Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., are proposing spending about one-third of what President Joe Biden is seeking in coronavirus aid and they're urging him to negotiate rather than try to ram through his $1.9 trillion package solely on Democratic votes.
The group says in a letter to the new president that their counterproposal will include $160 billion for vaccines, testing, treatment and personal protective equipment and will call for more targeted relief than Biden’s plan to issue $1,400 stimulus checks for most Americans.
"Our proposal reflects many of your stated priorities, and with your support, we believe that this plan could be approved quickly by Congress with bipartisan support," the senators said in the letter. "We request the opportunity to meet with you to discuss our proposal in greater detail and how we can work together to meet the needs of the American people during this persistent pandemic."
Winning the support of 10 Republicans would be significant because if they joined all Democratic senators in backing an eventual compromise, the legislation would reach the 60-vote threshold necessary to overcome potential blocking efforts.
You can read the full letter below:
