Biden relief bill tests narrow Democratic majority
By Jordain Carney - 03/02/21 06:20 PM EST Senate Democrats are facing an early stress test of their fragile majority as they try to pass a massive coronavirus bill this week.
President Biden and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) need the support of every member in the caucus to get the bill through the 50-50 chamber and to beat back what is expected to be an hours-long marathon of GOP efforts to chip away at the bill.
Biden, during a call with Democrats on Tuesday, urged the party to remain unified, stressing the popularity of the sweeping $1.9 trillion coronavirus package among voters.
“President Biden made his pitch today to our entire caucus. And he said we need to pass this bill and pass it soon,†Schumer said after the call.
Democrats are likely to face their first test of unity Wednesday, when they could take an initial vote on proceeding to the House-passed coronavirus bill.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/541301-biden-relief-bill-tests-narrow-democratic-majority
