Schumer lays groundwork for moving COVID-19 relief
By Jordain Carney - 02/02/21 11:18 AM EST Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the Senate will start on Tuesday to lay the groundwork for passing a coronavirus relief bill with only a simple majority.
Schumer, speaking from the Senate floor, said the Senate would take an initial procedural vote on Tuesday afternoon to proceed to a budget resolution. The bill, once passed, will allow Democrats to avoid a 60-vote filibuster for a separate coronavirus relief bill.
"The Senate is going to move forward this week with the process for producing the next bold rescue package. ... The Senate will vote to proceed on the budget resolution this afternoon," Schumer said.
Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) filed a budget resolution Monday that includes instructions for crafting a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package — a top-line figure in line with President Biden's proposal.
The House is expected to pass the budget resolution on Wednesday. While the Senate faces tens of hours of debate, and a marathon session known as a vote-a-rama, Democrats are hoping to pass the resolution by the end of the week.
The decision to move forward comes after Biden met with a group of 10 GOP senators Monday night, with Republicans offering a $618 billion proposal.
Both sides agreed to keep talking, but the White House signaled after the meeting that they are comfortable with moving forward with reconciliation and want a big package.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/536939-schumer-lays-groundwork-for-moving-covid-19-relief
