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Biden Says Quick Action Needed on Coronavirus Aid

VOA News

   U.S. President Joe Biden expressed a sense of urgency for lawmakers to
   find agreement on a new coronavirus aid package, saying Monday, "Time
   is of the essence."

   Biden has proposed a $1.9 trillion plan that includes money to increase
   the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations, help for schools to reopen,
   financial relief for state and local governments, and $1,400 direct
   payments for individuals.

   Republicans have pushed back both on the size of the package and on the
   speed of the negotiations.

   Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnellsaid Monday that "any further
   action should be smart and targeted, not just an imprecise deluge of
   borrowed money that would direct huge sums toward those who don't need
   it."

   Senator Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, said consideration of a
   package of such size and scope "seems premature."

   Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that while passage in the
   Senate will not be easy, he is aiming to get approval for an aid
   package in the next four to six weeks.

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