Here’s what happened so far -- and how GOP is misreading.
Biden puts out $1.9 trillion relief bill, indicates he’s open to negotiation w/GOP and want’s bipartisan bill, while stressing urgency.
GOP slams it, pretty much says it’s dead on arrival. But...
…GOP doesn’t offer a counter-proposal/engage in negotiation. A typical McConnell move, and he’s clearly directing.
They expected that Biden would come back again with yet another pared down proposal, thinking we’re in 2009 or something.
But he doesn’t.
Instead, Democratic leaders indicate they’ll do it via budget reconciliation, 51 votes, if GOP doesn’t want to get aboard.
Biden reiterates he’d like it to be bipartisan, but if that’s the way it’s got to go, so be it.
No ifs, ands, or buts.
Susan Collins then faints on the couch — feels “betrayed.”
Betrayed for what? Not having a Democrat bow to her?
Of course she’s sent out as a McConnell stalking horse.
But that doesn’t work either.
So very concerned Susan Collins writes a letter to Biden with several other faux-moderate GOP senators, finally offering a counter-proposal because they’re desperate, their plan backfired and don’t want to be seen not signing a relief bill.