McLean, Virginia — Senator Mitt Romney, of Utah, offered more than 200 Republican donors a stark message on the fragility of American democracy during private remarks on Monday night at a fundraiser in Northern Virginia.
According to five attendees, Romney told the crowd that he has a chart in his Senate office tracing the history of civilizations over the past 4,000 years. He said it is a reminder of how they can rise and collapse, and of how unusual American democracy is in global history.
From the Mongol Empire to the Roman Empire, Romney said, autocracy is the chart’s “default setting,” with authoritarian leaders at every turn.
“We are really the only significant experiment in democracy, and preserving liberal democracy is an extraordinary challenge,” Romney said, according to the attendees, who gathered at the Hilton Hotel in McLean.
Attendees described Romney, the GOP’s 2012 presidential nominee, as delivering the remarks as a warning for the group, which included many longtime members of the Republican establishment, as the U.S. confronts Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and as former President Donald Trump continues to exert power inside the Republican Party.
Romney was the introductory speaker at a closed fundraiser for Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney of Wyoming. Cheney’s primary race has a national following — she’s facing a challenge from Harriet Hageman, a Trump ally who has been endorsed by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, of California.
Cheney, a Trump critic, is the vice chair of the House select committee investigating the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol and Trump’s role in efforts to block the certification of President Joe Biden’s election.
Trump has been furious with Cheney ever since she voted to impeach him last year after the attack. At the time, she was in the House GOP leadership.
At Monday night’s event, which raised over $526,000 for Cheney, Romney framed the survival of American democracy as a battle on two fronts, with the possibility of significant erosion unless leaders are vigilant.
Abroad, he said, it faces threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is following an authoritarian playbook “rehearsed time and time again, over the many thousands of years of world history.”
At home, Romney said, “what has kept us from falling in with the same kind of authoritarian leader as Vladimir Putin are the strengths of our institutions, the rule of law, our courts, Congress, and so forth.”
“People of character and courage,” Romney said, “have stood up for right at times when others want to look away. Such a person is Liz Cheney.”
The crowd roared its approval, attendees said.
Cheney’s father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, and mother, Lynne Cheney, were spotted by CBS News as they exited the fundraiser. Attendees said Cheney’s parents did not make formal remarks at the fundraiser but did socialize with guests at the opening reception.
The fundraiser was organized by veteran Republican power brokers Bobbie and Bill Kilberg, who have decades of links to past Republican presidents.
In an interview late Monday, Bill Kilberg said the event went “exceedingly well,” not only in terms of the fundraising total, but for rallying Republicans who are increasingly worried about their party and nation.
“I think people are really hungry for a sensible, rational alternative in our political dialogue,” Bill Kilberg said. “They’re not happy with the direction of the Republican Party and they’re not particularly happy with the direction of the Democratic Party.”
“They saw two, sensible, intelligent, rational conservatives, and they were excited. It’s been a long time since we had that opportunity.”
“Romney got a standing ovation,” he added, when he praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and when he spoke about American democracy. “He said we have to appreciate how fragile this system is.”
“That was the essence of Liz’s remarks as well,” Bobbie Kilberg said. “She said, if someone doesn’t have respect for the rule of law and the democratic system, then it’s all for naught.”
Congresswoman Cheney offered a brief greeting but did not speak with CBS News as she left the event with her family.
Robert Costa
Robert Costa is CBS News’ chief election and campaign correspondent based in Washington, D.C.
GOP senators are worried that former President TrumpDonald TrumpFormer Goldman Sachs boss weighs in on infrastructure vote: ‘Progressives blinked’ CORRECTED: Guardian op-ed says Trump is likely ‘Biden’s best hope for re-election’ Trump bashes Senate Republicans, McConnell over infrastructure bill MORE could thwart their hopes of winning back the Senate majority next year with his support for controversial primary candidates who they fear could turn away women voters.
The latest bombshell to rock the 2022 Senate election landscape came this week when the estranged wife of Pennsylvania Senate candidate Sean Parnell testified in court Monday that he allegedly strangled her and hit their children.
The allegation in a child custody hearing would be enough to derail a Senate campaign but Parnell is still considered the frontrunner in the Republican primary thanks to Trump’s powerful endorsement.
A similar dynamic is emerging in Georgia, where Trump has jumped in early to back candidates despite allegations from women of threatening behavior and sexual assault.
Some Senate Republicans privately worry that the controversies could hurt their party’s chances of picking up seats in key states and may even offset what they otherwise expect will be a favorable political environment next year.
“You can have the best political environment but it doesn’t matter if you don’t have good candidates,” warned one Senate Republican who requested anonymity to discuss anxiety within the GOP conference.
The lawmaker noted that Trump is endorsing candidates very early in some Republican primaries before they are fully vetted, such as former Alaska Department of Administration commissioner Kelly Tshibaka, who is challenging Sen. Lisa MurkowskiLisa Ann MurkowskiCoons leads Democratic, Republican group to climate summit Sunday shows – Biden officials look to social spending package after infrastructure’s passage Senate GOP campaign chief says he will help Murkowski against Trump-endorsed challenger MORE (R-Alaska) — one of seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial.
Shortly after Trump endorsed Tshibaka in June, it emerged that Alaska Wildlife troopers were investigating whether she illegally obtained a resident sportfishing license in 2019 eight months after moving to the state. Alaska regulations require a person to live 12 consecutive months in the state before applying for the coveted license.
While the potential violation is only a misdemeanor, it raises questions about the candidate’s truthfulness and highlights her years of living out of the state after leaving Anchorage at age 15.
The bigger potential problem is in Pennsylvania, perhaps Democrats’ best opportunity to pick up a seat and add to their narrow 50-seat majority. Trump’s endorsement of Parnell in early September was viewed as giving him a major leg up in the crowded Republican Primary field.
But now his viability is in serious question after Laurie Snell, Parnell’s wife, testified that he once strangled her, slapped one of their children so hard that it left red welts, and rained down physical and verbal abuse in other ways.
Parnell is disputed the claims, saying they do not have “any basis in fact or truth.”
This has now put Republican senators in the awkward position of having to respond to the allegations and questions about whether Trump should revoke his endorsement.
“He’s got to make a decision if he’s a viable candidate or not after the accusation,” said Sen. Lindsey GrahamLindsey Olin GrahamTucker Carlson rips Graham over report he told officers to shoot Jan. 6 rioters Graham told officers on Jan. 6 to use their guns on rioters: report McConnell backs Herschel Walker in Georgia Senate race MORE (R-S.C.), a close Trump ally when asked about Parnell. “Again, it’s an accusation in family court. You take it seriously. He has a right to give his side of the story.”
Retiring Sen. Pat ToomeyPatrick (Pat) Joseph ToomeyBlack women look to build upon gains in coming elections Watch live: GOP senators present new infrastructure proposal Sasse rebuked by Nebraska Republican Party over impeachment vote MORE (R-Pa.), whose seat is up for grabs in the next election, said he was following the developments but declined to comment on the latest news.
A third Republican senator, who requested anonymity to discuss the controversies, said the party needs to be careful to select candidates who won’t be derailed by character issues.
“If you can only win a Republican primary and can’t win a general election, you don’t serve the purpose,” the lawmaker said. “Who the candidates are matter and we ought to always be doing everything we can to make sure we have the best candidates.”
An in-dept investigation by the Associated Press over the summer raised serious questions about former NFL star Herschel Walker, the leading Republican candidate to challenge Sen. Raphael WarnockRaphael WarnockHistorically Black colleges and universities could see historic funding under Biden plan Democrats ramp up filibuster talks after voting rights setback ‘An earthquake’: GOP rides high after Democrats’ Tuesday shellacking MORE (D-Ga.). The review of Walker’s public records found that in 2005, the candidate’s ex-wife secured a protective order against him on the basis of alleged violent behavior.
The allegations of Cindy Grossman included that her former husband pointed a pistol at her and threatened to shoot her.
Despite the controversy, Trump endorsed Walker in early September, building significant momentum for the candidate, who reported raising $3.7 million five weeks after launching his campaign.
The party establishment in Washington was initially uncertain about Walker and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellTrump bashes Senate Republicans, McConnell over infrastructure bill House passes trillion infrastructure bill, advances social spending plan Democrats are getting pummeled while they’re down — it’s time to punch back MORE (R-Ky.) explored other options and met with former Sen. Kelly LoefflerKelly LoefflerPerdue mulling primary challenge against Kemp in Georgia: report McConnell backs Herschel Walker in Georgia Senate race Warnock planning memoir for June release MORE (R-Ga.) at his Capitol office in June.
Former Sen. David PerdueDavid PerdueThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – Democrats have so many hurdles ahead Perdue mulling primary challenge against Kemp in Georgia: report McConnell backs Herschel Walker in Georgia Senate race MORE (R-Ga.) was also mulling another run for the Senate but abruptly changed his mind after a February meeting with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida reportedly “did not go well.”
McConnell eventually acknowledged Walker’s strong momentum by endorsing him in late October. The GOP leader praised Walker as “the only one who can unite the party, defeat Sen. Warnock and help us take back the Senate.”
Trump’s endorsement and Walker’s celebrity status as a famous ex-Cowboys running back made it appear highly unlikely that any other Republican could beat him in the primary. But whether he’s the best general election candidate is another question entirely.
Central to the Republican plan for winning back the Senate in 2022 is winning back women voters in the suburbs, who flocked to Democrats in 2018 and 2020 when Trump had become a major liability for the party with that key block.
Sen. John CornynJohn CornynRepublican Senators request military aid for Taiwan amid pressure from China ‘An earthquake’: GOP rides high after Democrats’ Tuesday shellacking Recapturing green cards: Immigration is America’s advantage over China MORE (R-Texas) said 2022 is shaping up to be year of big electoral gains for Senate Republicans but warned candidate selection “is the biggest question at this point because you have to have a good candidate to capitalize on the moment and be able to raise the dough.”
“I think that’s really the remaining uncertainty is who the nominees are going to be,” he said.
He argued that the Pennsylvania and Georgia races are quite different because “Walker is clearly the leading candidate” while “Parnell has a primary and after recent revelations I don’t know what his future is,” suggesting that another candidate may become the frontrunner in the Keystone State.
Cornyn said “Trump is going to be a factor” but argued “it’s not just matter of him anointing a candidate, they’re going to have to win a race.”
“In some instances you’ll find Republicans unifying around a candidate like in Georgia but in other places there’s going to be a long, challenging primary process,” he said, predicting that Trump’s influence is going to “depend on the state.”
“Obviously the suburbs are the contested battleground,” he observed.
The good news for Republicans coming out of Virginia Tuesday is that women suburban voters, driven by concerns over school closings and curricula, are starting to migrate back to the GOP.
But that new trend could be stopped or reversed in key states if allegations of domestic abuse, sexual impropriety or serious character flaws become a major storyline.
Sen. Mitt RomneyWillard (Mitt) Mitt RomneyRepublican Senators request military aid for Taiwan amid pressure from China NASA chief Bill Nelson latest official to suggest UFOs have otherworldly origins Photos of the Week: Bipawtisan Dog Costume parade, California flooding and tiger cubs MORE (R-Utah), an outspoken Trump critic, said that Republicans should remember from Glenn YoungkinGlenn YoungkinCORRECTED: Guardian op-ed says Trump is likely ‘Biden’s best hope for re-election’ Biden approval rating drops to new low of 38 percent: poll Christie on 2020 election: ‘No matter where you stand, it is over’ MORE’s upset victory in the Virginia gubernatorial race that the ability of candidates to win swing voters will be crucial to taking back the Senate in 2022.
“Glenn Youngkin was a candidate who ran a superb campaign, represented traditional Republican policies and values, by and large, and our success will depend on who we put up,” he said.
“I’m not going to give advice to President Trump on who and when he endorses but I know that for myself I try and wait as long as possible to determine who would be the best candidate and who has the best prospects for becoming a successful Republican nominee,” he added.
Another source of concerns is the Senate race in Missouri, where Trump hasn’t yet endorsed a candidate but the scandal-tarnished former Governor, Eric Greitens, is making a concerted bid for his backing.
Donald Trump Jr.’s girlfriend, Kimberly GuilfoyleKimberly GuilfoyleNew Trump super PAC formed after accusations of misconduct Trump to Pence on Jan. 6: ‘You don’t have the courage’ Trump unhappy with Guilfoyle backing Greitens: report MORE, and the former president’s onetime national security adviser Michael Flynn have already endorsed Greitens in a sign of support from the candidate within Trump world.
Republican senators initially viewed Greitens as a toxic candidate after he resigned from office in 2018 after being barraged be allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance improprieties.
A woman who had an extramarital affair with him accused the candidate of assaulting her and taking a nude photograph of her without consent, allegations that surfaced in a bipartisan Missouri House committee report released in 2018.
Greitens disputed the report, which he dismissed as a “political witch hunt” filled with “lies and falsehoods.”
He has sought to turn around his political fortunes and win Trump’s favor by pledging to oppose McConnell for Republican leader after the 2022 election, if elected.
In a statement last month, Greitens said Trump has “proved to the Republican Party that the only way to meaningfully advance conservative policy is through strong, uncompromising leadership.”
Republicans are rallying around Sens. Joe ManchinJoe ManchinSinema fundraising in Europe as reconciliation talks ‘ongoing’: report Warren: Billionaires who ‘have enough money to shoot themselves into space’ will pay for reconciliation bill To Win 2022: Go big on reconciliation and invest in Latinx voters MORE (D-W.Va.) and Kyrsten SinemaKyrsten SinemaSinema fundraising in Europe as reconciliation talks ‘ongoing’: report Warren: Billionaires who ‘have enough money to shoot themselves into space’ will pay for reconciliation bill To Win 2022: Go big on reconciliation and invest in Latinx voters MORE (D-Ariz.), the centrists who are in a fierce battle with progressives in their party.
Senate Republicans, despite having many policy differences with Manchin and Sinema, are singing their praises, knowing that they will be key to stopping or slowing President BidenJoe BidenSinema fundraising in Europe as reconciliation talks ‘ongoing’: report Mexico urges more US investment in Central America to stem migration flows Trump calls into Take Back Virginia Rally to hype Youngkin MORE’s ambitious agenda.
Both Democrats would be top Republican targets in 2024 if they decide to run for re-election, and GOP leaders are usually loath to offer praise to such lawmakers.
But in a 50-50 Senate, where Manchin and Sinema can make or break Biden’s policy goals, many Republicans hail them as saviors.
“I tell them I think they’re saving the county,” said Senate Minority Whip John ThuneJohn Randolph ThuneMcConnell gets GOP wake-up call Democrat on controversial Schumer speech: Timing ‘may not have been the best’ Most Senate Republicans don’t want to see Trump run again MORE (R-S.D.).
“I know they’re getting beat up by their leadership and their base and everything else but I think they’re in a really good place right now because they’re in a position to influence and shape what comes out of this,” he added.
When Manchin told reporters recently that he didn’t want to spend more than $1.5 trillion on Biden’s “Build Back Better” agenda because he didn’t want “to change our whole society to an entitlement mentality,” it was music to the ears of GOP colleagues.
Thune said both Manchin and Sinema are “playing an incredibly constructive role in trying to make the country stronger, not weaker.”
Progressives see Manchin’s and Sinema as stubborn opponents, and disloyal to their party and president.
Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersSanders blaming spending bill delay on corporate lobbying McConnell-aligned group targeting Kelly, Cortez Masto and Hassan with M ad campaign Democrats struggle to gain steam on Biden spending plan MORE (I-Vt.), who says Democrats need to spend a minimum of $3.5 trillion on expanded Medicare benefits, expanded childcare and fighting climate change, says Manchin is not helping his constituents.
“You should go to West Virginia, ask working families whether they think it’s a good idea that older people — West Virginia’s an older state — have teeth in their mouths, have hearing aids, have eyeglasses,” Sanders said, offering biting criticism of the West Virginia senator.
“Ask working families whether or not he’s a hero when people are paying 20, 25 percent of their income for childcare. Ask people if he’s a hero in terms of not moving aggressively to [address] what the scientists tell us is an existential threat to the planet,” he added.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellCapitol Police mandating vaccines for Dignitary Protection Division agents: report The Hill’s 12:30 Report – The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations – 90-year-old ‘Star Trek’ actor describes space visit McConnell-aligned group targeting Kelly, Cortez Masto and Hassan with M ad campaign MORE (R-Ky.) told Republican colleagues at a meeting last week that one reason for why he agreed to a deal with Senate Majority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerTo Win 2022: Go big on reconciliation and invest in Latinx voters McConnell-aligned group targeting Kelly, Cortez Masto and Hassan with M ad campaign Green group pressures Sinema to spell out climate agenda MORE (D-N.Y.) on a short-term debt-limit increase was because he feared that Manchin and Sinema would be under growing pressure from fellow Democrats to weaken the filibuster to stave off a credit crisis.
McConnell also reached out to share his plan to solve the debt standoff with Manchin and Sinema before unveiling it publicly, according to a Senate GOP aide.
Manchin, asked about that by reporters last week, denied that he knew the details of McConnell’s proposed two-month debt-limit extension ahead of its public release.
Sen. Lisa MurkowskiLisa Ann MurkowskiMcConnell gets GOP wake-up call Using shared principles to guide our global and national energy policy Alaska man accused of threatening senators to remain detained ahead of trial MORE (R-Alaska), an important GOP swing vote, raised concerns at last week’s Tuesday GOP conference lunch that the debt-limit stalemate was putting pressure on Manchin and Sinema to gut the filibuster, according to two GOP sources familiar with the meeting.
Even sharp-tongued conservatives are offering complimentary words for the two centrists. Sen. Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzMcConnell gets GOP wake-up call Equilibrium/Sustainability — Presented by Altria — Michigan leaves majority-Black city with lead-contaminated taps for three years YouTube confirms it picked kids featured in Harris video MORE (R-Texas) even referred to them by their first names.
“I’m glad there are at least a couple of Democrats in the Senate conference who are not willing to blindly sign on to Bernie Sanders’s socialist budget,” he said. “I’m glad to see Joe and Kyrsten standing up to the radical left. They’re demonstrating some real courage because the hard left is pounding them.
“I’m glad to see them demonstrating the strength of character to say, ‘This is not what the people of West Virginia want, this is not what the people of Arizona want,’” he added.
Senate Republicans are framing their messaging strategy around concerns that Manchin has expressed about rising inflation, the global competitiveness of U.S. companies, the future of fossil fuels and the lack of bipartisanship behind the proposed $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation proposal.
Republican have seized on Manchin’s worries about inflation and made it a regular talking point, even though experts such as Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell say that higher-than-average inflation is temporary and likely to ease by next year.
Cruz and other Republicans say they agree more with Manchin, who has pointed to rising prices at Dollar General stores in West Virginia as a major problem. Manchin’s comments are also helpful for Republicans who are using rising prices to attack Biden.
“I think he is absolutely right,” Cruz said of Manchin’s inflation fears. “We’re seeing an inflation bomb going off across this country. Hard-working Americans are seeing the cost of just about everything going up. We’re seeing the cost of gasoline go up, the cost of food go up, the cost of rent go up, the cost of lumber go up, the cost of homes go up.”
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) joked that he’s accused Manchin of stealing his message.
“I’ve accused him of plagiarism,” he quipped. “I’m glad that Sen. Manchin is talking about that, I hope he keeps talking about it.”
Sen. Thom TillisThomas (Thom) Roland TillisAdvocates frustrated by shrinking legal migration under Biden Key debt-limit vote sparks major fight among Senate Republicans Defense & National Security — Troops secretly train with Taiwan as tensions with China continue MORE (R-N.C.) said he agrees with Manchin that the country is at a “fiscal tipping point” because “we’ve just got so much money flooding the system.”
“I know it’s tough but I think he’s standing on principle. I think the same of Sen. Sinema,” he said.
Republicans leapt to Sinema’s defense earlier this month when activists followed her into a bathroom at Arizona State University, where she lectures, to pressure her to support Biden’s full agenda.
Sen. Mitt RomneyWillard (Mitt) Mitt RomneyMcConnell gets GOP wake-up call Democrat on controversial Schumer speech: Timing ‘may not have been the best’ The Biden-Harris train wreck may have its savior: 2024 GOP nominee Donald Trump MORE (R-Utah), who worked closely with Sinema on the $1.1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package passed by the Senate in August, called the tactics “inexcusable.”
Democrats also defended Sinema, but some of them also defended the activists filming here. Biden said he disagreed with such tactics but also said they came with being in the arena of politics, a notably less tough tone than Romney’s.
“We don’t always see eye to eye, but I respect her,” the Utah senator tweeted. “The harassment she has endured is inexcusable and disheartening. It reflects so poorly on the bullies and abusers.”
Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnell Trump urges GOP senators to vote against McConnell debt deal Senate approves short-term debt ceiling increase On The Money — Presented by NRHC — Senate slowly walks back from debt disaster MORE (R-Ky.) warned President BidenJoe BidenArkansas lawmakers advance bill prohibiting businesses from demanding workers’ vaccine status Senate approves short-term debt ceiling increase On The Money — Presented by NRHC — Senate slowly walks back from debt disaster MORE Friday that Republicans won’t help raise the debt ceiling later this year, and stated that a recent speech by Majority Leader Charles SchumerChuck Schumer Trump urges GOP senators to vote against McConnell debt deal Senate approves short-term debt ceiling increase The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – Senate nears surprise deal on short-term debt ceiling hike MORE (D-N.Y) had “poisoned the well.”
“Last night, Republicans filled the leadership vacuum that has troubled the Senate since January. I write to inform you that I will not provide such assistance again if your all-Democrat government drifts into another avoidable crisis,” McConnell wrote in the letter to Biden.
The letter comes after 11 Republicans helped advance a short-term debt ceiling extension on Thursday night, after a weeks-long standoff where McConnell and his conference said that Democrats would have to raise the debt ceiling on their own through a budget process known as reconciliation.
But on Wednesday McConnell backtracked, offering to let Democrats pass a short-term extension that is expected to last into early December.
McConnell’s letter is a warning to Democrats, but also gives an early signal to his own members that he won’t give Democrats the same offramp in December. The decision by McConnell this week to open the door to a short-term debt extension earned him an unusually intense level of criticism from the Senate GOP caucus, including behind-the-scenes breaks with members of his own leadership team.
Republicans were further frustrated on Thursday night by Schumer, who railed against them right after 11 of them voted to advance the debt ceiling bill.
Schumer blasted the GOP debt ceiling strategy, accusing them of playing a “dangerous and risky partisan game” and saying Democrats were able to “pull our country back from the cliff’s edge that Republicans tried to push us over.”
McConnell appeared to reference Manchin, who could be seen briefly with his hands over his face during Schumer’s speech.
“Last night, in a bizarre spectacle, Senator Schumer exploded in a rant that was so partisan, angry, and corrosive that even Democratic Senators were visibly embarrassed by him and for him. This tantrum encapsulated and escalated a pattern of angry incompetence from Senator Schumer,” McConnell wrote.
McConnell warned that Schumer’s “childish behavior” had “alienated” GOP senators who helped advance the short-term debt increase and “poisoned the well even further.” They are likely the same GOP senators Schumer would need to lean on to raise the debt ceiling outside of reconciliation later this year.
“I am writing to make it clear that in light of Senator Schumer’s hysterics and my grave concerns about the ways that another vast, reckless, partisan spending bill would hurt Americans and help China, I will not be a party to any future effort to mitigate the consequences of Democratic mismanagement,” he added.
A group of GOP senators will meet with President Biden on Monday after pitching their own coronavirus relief framework.
“We appreciate the President’s quick response to our letter, and we are pleased to accept his invitation to the White House tomorrow afternoon to discuss the path forward for the sixth bipartisan Covid-19 relief package,” the GOP senators said in a joint statement.
The group includes GOP Sens. Susan CollinsSusan Margaret CollinsBiden reignites immigration fight in Congress Paul says Roberts’s absence ‘crystalized’ argument against Trump impeachment Democrats ready to bypass Republicans on COVID-19 relief bill MORE (Maine), Lisa MurkowskiLisa Ann MurkowskiPaul says Roberts’s absence ‘crystalized’ argument against Trump impeachment How McConnell derailed Trump’s impeachment trial before it started Kaine eyes next week to file censure aiming to bar Trump from future office MORE (Alaska), Bill CassidyBill CassidySunday shows preview: New COVID-19 variants spread in US; Redditors shake Wall Street with Gamestop stock OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Biden signs series of orders to tackle climate change | Republicans press Granholm on fossil fuels during confirmation hearing Republicans press Granholm on fossil fuels during confirmation hearing MORE (La.), Mitt RomneyWillard (Mitt) Mitt RomneyRomney blasts news of Trump call with Taylor Greene: ‘Lies of a feather flock together’ Marjorie Taylor Greene touts Trump call amid growing backlash Leaving the GOP After 46 years and feeling ‘politically homeless’ MORE (Utah), Rob PortmanRobert (Rob) Jones PortmanSunday shows preview: New COVID-19 variants spread in US; Redditors shake Wall Street with Gamestop stock The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – Which path will Democrats take on COVID-19 bill? Democrats ready to bypass Republicans on COVID-19 relief bill MORE (Ohio), Shelley Moore CapitoShelley Wellons Moore CapitoModerates vow to ‘be a force’ under Biden The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden’s crisis agenda hits headwinds Bipartisan Senate gang to talk with Biden aide on coronavirus relief MORE (W.Va.), Todd YoungTodd Christopher YoungSenate panel advances Buttigieg nomination in 21-3 vote Trump, allies raise pressure on Senate GOP ahead of impeachment Moderates vow to ‘be a force’ under Biden MORE (Ind), Jerry MoranGerald (Jerry) MoranSenate GOP boxes itself in on impeachment Moderates vow to ‘be a force’ under Biden The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden’s crisis agenda hits headwinds MORE (Kan.), Mike RoundsMike RoundsBipartisan group discussing Senate rules change Senate GOP signals it’s likely to acquit Trump for second time The Memo: Chances recede of GOP breaking with Trump MORE (S.D.) and Thom TillisThomas (Thom) Roland TillisSenate GOP signals it’s likely to acquit Trump for second time Senate committee advances Biden’s DHS pick despite Republican pushback Democrat Jeff Jackson jumps into North Carolina Senate race MORE (N.C.).
White House press secretary Jen PsakiJen PsakiMenendez calls for sanction on Russia after Navalny protests Biden signs executive orders at furious pace Biden, Yellen call for swift action on coronavirus relief package MORE disclosed on Sunday night that Biden had spoken to Collins, who he previously served with in the Senate and who has taken the lead in trying to jumpstart bipartisan negotiations on the next round of coronavirus relief, and invited her and the other nine GOP senators to the White House.
The GOP senators outlined their own coronavirus framework earlier Sunday that Cassidy put around $600 billion — less than a third of the roughly $1.9 trillion plan offered by Biden.
The GOP proposal would include $1,000 checks, while Democrats are pushing for $1,400 checks. It also includes more money for vaccines, extends unemployment benefits and includes things like nutrition assistance, small business aid and money for schools and childcare.
The GOP letter comes as Democrats appear ready to move this week to set the stage for passing an eventual coronavirus relief bill through reconciliation, a budget process that will let them avoid a 60-vote legislative filibuster in the Senate.
The House will vote on the budget resolution this week that will include instructions for crafting the coronavirus bill, with the Senate hoping to follow quickly. Democrats are hoping to be able to pass the coronavirus relief bill by mid-March, when unemployment benefits are set to expire.
But Republicans have shown no signs of supporting a $1.9 trillion bill after Congress passed an additional $900 billion in coronavirus relief late last year—the fifth package that Congress has passed.
Instead, the GOP senators, in their letter, urged Biden to work with them on a proposal, which they predicted could get through Congress if he supports it.
“The proposal we have outlined is mindful of these past efforts, while also acknowledging the priorities that need additional support right now,” the GOP senators wrote.
“With your support, we believe Congress can once again craft a relief package that will provide meaningful, effective assistance to the American people and set us on a path to recovery,” they added.
Democrats have slim margins in both chambers, and progressives, who view $1.9 trillion as the minimum Congress should be spending, would likely balk at a substantially lower price tag.
In addition to speaking to Collins, Psaki said that Biden spoke with House Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiFBI: Woman arrested in Capitol riot allegedly said she wanted to shoot Pelosi ‘in the friggin’ brain’ Did Trump know what was about to happen Jan. 6? Marjorie Taylor Greene touts Trump call amid growing backlash MORE (D-Calif.) and Senate Democratic Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerProposal for permanent Capitol fencing sparks bipartisan pushback Immigration reform can’t wait Psaki expects DHS nominee Mayorkas to head task force to reunite separated families MORE (D-N.Y.) on Sunday.
“He is grateful that Congress is prepared to begin action on the American Rescue Plan in just his second full week in office,” she said.
Psaki also gave no indication that Biden was considering abandoning his $1.9 trillion proposal for a smaller plan.
“The American Rescue Plan … is badly needed. As leading economists have said, the danger now is not in doing too much: it is in doing too little,” she added.
The White House invite also comes as Schumer, speaking to reporters in New York, reiterated his warning that Democrats were willing to move forward without Republicans if they wouldn’t support a “bold” plan.
“We intend to move forward. We hope that we can move forward with a bipartisan way with our Republican colleagues cooperating. But we need big, bold action and if we can’t move forward with them, we’ll have to move forward on our own. Getting the job done in a big bold way is the number one priority,” he added.
Schumer also appeared cool to the GOP proposal, telling the New York Daily News that Republicans “should negotiate.”
“If the reports are true, it doesn’t have any state and local money in it. Look at that, just as one thing,” Schumer said.
