Specifically, the White House is open to consider cutting incentives for families earning more than $ 150,000 a year, the official said, but the administration is not considering buying months-long unemployment insurance or money to schools.
The official told CNN that if the Republican counter-proposal goes through, lawmakers will have to renegotiate within two months, which could happen in an even tougher political landscape. The official said that while the Biden administration is open to an aid package of less than $ 1.9 trillion, they are not considering a $ 600 billion plan.
The Republican aid package is the main response to date to the planned White House package, although the GOP proposal, with a price tag of more than a trillion dollars less than the Democratic plan, is likely to face opposition from Congressional Democrats .
The counter-proposal includes a total of $ 160 billion for vaccine development and distribution, testing and tracking, and treatment and supplies, including the manufacture and deployment of personal protective equipment. It also includes a new round of direct payments for “families most in need of help,” extends increased federal unemployment benefits to current levels and provides $ 4 billion to bolster behavioral health and substance abuse.
Biden has said he is not against reconciliation, but the official said on Sunday that the White House “wants to give a place to Republicans, but they will not be poked.”
The deliberations of the aid package are an early test of Biden’s stated commitment to reach across the aisle during his time as president. In his inaugural address earlier this month, the president called for duality and unity.
As of Sunday evening, no decisions had been made on the next steps to meet with either party.