Sen. Cassidy: Bipartisan Relief Plan Will Pass 'In Some Way'

Sen. Bill Cassidy, one of the lawmakers who pulled together the bipartisan $908 billion coronavirus relief plan, said Monday he thinks that "in some way" the package will get through the divided Congress and will be signed by President Donald Trump. 

Funding for state and local governments still remains a sticking point in the legislation, however, but that money is necessary for the United States to come out of the pandemic with an "economy that is poised for robust growth," the Louisiana Republican said on CNBC's "Squawk Box."

'If you look at the bond rating agencies, folks like Moody's, they show there is going to be this incredible shortfall for state and local governments," said Cassidy. "That means you're laying off police officers, you're laying off firefighters, first responders, you've canceled projects that employ other people."

Cassidy said his state has been "terribly impacted" in several ways, including in New Orleans, which is facing budget cuts, reducing salaries, and furloughing employees. 

"Under our construct, you would have to show that you lost money," said Cassidy. "It's not just free dollars. You would have to show that your revenue sources were down. We're trying to balance, how do we support those that need it and not just give out free money. We want to be wise stewards of taxpayer dollars."

The proposed package isn't just for stimulus, but also for the relief that the American people need, he added. 

"It is just to bring the direct relief that the American people need," he said. "Small businesses, large businesses in some cases, and governments need to get through the next three to four months. There might be a stimulus package, but this is not it."

Cassidy said he does get frustrated that some lawmakers are saying they won't vote for the bill because many of its effects won't be until next year.

"At some point, we have to recognize the need, recognize this is a relief package," he said. "We can't do everything for everybody, so we have to do as much as we can for as many people as we can."

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