Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W. Va., said Sunday a $908 billion relief legislation backed by the Democratic and Republican leaders of both the House and Senate is “alive and well,” and is preferable over alternative suggestions.
In an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” Manchin conceded there will have to be compromise to ultimately pass the Gang of Eight bill.
“The plan is alive and well and no way we’re going to leave Washington without meeting the needs of the American people,” he vowed.
“It hasn’t fallen apart,” he argued, but noted “There’s a lot of parts to this bill and in the spirit of compromise you have to work for that.”
Manchin said the bill will only cover the period up to April 1.
“We’re trying to get through the first quarter,” he said, calling it “strictly an emergency measure.”
He batted back alternatives being suggested in both the House and Senate — and from President Donald Trump, who has urged a stimulus check of $600 for every American.
“It’s a bad idea,” he said of the check, because “you’re sending it to people who still have a job.”
“We can get something we can all live with,” he declared. “You’ll see a complete bill tomorrow… look for the good it does on the whole.”
“No one wants to take a tough vote,” he said of the measure, saying the alternatives may be easier but are not as comprehensive.
“We’ve got a good product,” he said. “We worked together… we’ve done everything we can. “
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