COVID-19 vaccinations and stimulating the economy should be the only things a new relief bill focuses on, according to former Sen. Al D'Amato, R-N.Y., on Newsmax TV.
"I say, let's talk COVID, let's do what we can and should as it relates to COVID, and put aside all of the social, the immigrations policies, etc. That doesn't help the economy," D’Amato told host Grant Stinchfield on Monday's Stinchfield.
"We want to help the economy, get it going. And, by the way, give COVID, as it relates to dealing with these infections, all the money they need. I don't think anybody's quibbling about that."
President Joe Biden proposed a coronavirus relief plan that includes $1,400 checks to many Americans, increases and extends federal unemployment support, and offers funds for vaccine distribution. However, it also includes funds for state and local governments and schools, and raises the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
Some Democrats have called for the relief plan to include a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants.
The 83-year-old D'Amato, who served in the Senate from Jan. 1981 to Jan. 1999, was hospitalized with COVID-19 in November. He said the relief package needs to address coronavirus first and foremost.
"Give the American people, the states, that money so they can deal with the medical issues," he said, "but when you get into this business of amnesty etc. for illegals and that we're going to give them X, Y and Z, let’s take care of COVID, let's take care of our citizens. Let's spend the money we need to help this small businesses."
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