America is "under attack by a virus" and the only way to kill the threat is to deny it human contact, but that means Americans will need more than a $1,000 check so they can stay home to keep from spreading the disease, Sen. Lindsey Graham, who is now out of self-isolation and has tested negative for coronavirus, said Thursday.
"The battle plan is no social gatherings, no eating out, no school, no sports, staying basically hunkered down in place, reducing work opportunity, living off less income, that's how it would kill the virus," the South Carolina Republican told Fox News' "Fox and Friends." "Unlike 9-11 where 1% had been fighting the terrorists, 100% are foot soldiers in this battle."
Graham said it is key now to pass the $1 trillion bill now under consideration that will give Americans the income they'll need to get through the coronavirus emergency while helping small businesses stay afloat.
But he said he doesn't think the $1,000 a month called for the plan is enough.
"If you're out of work, you need pay," said Graham, adding that he is working on a plan with Democrats and in South Carolina that will allow up to 75% of people's income, up to $80,000 a year, to get through the next six to eight weeks.
"Before the virus you had an income, right?" said Graham. "I want to restore your income. I don't want to give you $1,000 and say good luck."
He said he wants to either allow all employers to borrow the money they need to keep making their payroll, and he's willing to increase unemployment benefits so workers can get most of their paychecks.
"The impeachment debacle has been replaced by the spirit of 9-11," said Graham. "I think America is under attack, it's under attack by a virus that can be destroyed if we stay away from each other. A virus needs human contact to survive."
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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