Schumer vows Senate will take up ‘bold’ coronavirus bill, rejecting GOP offer

Democrats are moving forward on COVID relief, with or without the GOP.

Ahead of a White House meeting with a group of 10 Senate Republicans, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) vowed that the Senate would take up a “bold” coronavirus relief package, appearing to reject a smaller offer from the Republicans.

“Congress must pursue a bold and robust course of action. It makes no sense to pinch pennies when so many Americans are struggling,” Schumer said from the Senate floor.

Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Monday filed a joint budget resolution. It’s a first step that would allow Democrats to pass a coronavirus bill through reconciliation, enabling them to avoid a 60-vote Senate filibuster.

The budget resolution includes instructions for crafting a $1.9 trillion coronavirus package, in line with the top-line figure proposed by President Biden.

Meanwhile: A Senate GOP group has proposed a $618 billion coronavirus relief package, roughly a third of the size favored by Democrats. They were scheduled to meet with Biden on Monday to discuss their ideas, but not to make any offers or counteroffers.