Hope for bipartisan coronavirus relief bill continues

WASHINGTON (SBG) – A critical meeting is set to take place at the White House Monday evening in an effort for both parties to agree on a coronavirus relief plan while millions of Americans continue to suffer.

But as President Joe Biden welcomes Republicans over to negotiate, the middle ground can be elusive real estate.

"President Biden’s got to pick a lane," said Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-South Dakota). "He can choose to govern with Republicans, in which case, make no doubt about it, the AOC wing of his party will be furious, or he can choose to work with the AOC wing, in which case it’s going to be really hard to get anything done because frankly most of America doesn't think like that.”

In a letter over the weekend, 10 Republican Senators who don’t like the idea of Biden’s $1.9 trillion price tag proposed what they call a more "targeted" $618 billion version.

It would reduce the size of checks to Americans from $1,400 for people making up to $75,000 a year to $1,000 checks for those who make $50,000.

Biden also wants an added $400 per week in unemployment benefits through September. The GOP proposal would include $300 per week until July.

Democrats also want to implement a $15 minimum wage, but Republicans leave that out and reject some financial support to state and local governments.

"I think the president is doing the right thing to meet with this group," said Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minnesota). "I am always in favor of talking. I think this looks like a skimpy plan. I think we are in a moment where we need bold action, and we need that action fast.”

But not all talk has been well received.

When Vice President Kamala Harris went on-air in West Virginia pushing the Democrats’ plan and pressuring lawmakers for their votes, West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin felt it undermined those calls for bipartisanship.

"I saw [the interview]. I couldn't believe it. No one called me. We’re gonna try to find a bipartisan pathway forward," Manchin said.

The White House reiterated Monday that while it prefers to have Republican support, there is a chance that won’t work out. They’d have to use a legislative tactic called reconciliation, allowing Democrats to pass this without GOP votes.