Pine State News

Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) has objected to Joe Biden’s stimulus plan which will see high-income Americans receiving coronavirus relief funds. Senators are arguing that some of the people set to receive the money do not need it.

According to Politico, King had this to say:

“This isn’t Monopoly money. There’s a fundamental decision here on the part of the administration and that is do they want to work on the negotiation of a bipartisan proposal or do they want to try to move the larger package through reconciliation. That didn’t come up today explicitly but that’s sort of in the background,” he said. 

A group of 16 senators from both parties had a 75-minute call with White House officials to discuss the stimulus payments, calling for them to be targeted to those in greater need. They also agreed on spending more money on vaccine distribution. White House economic adviser Brian Deese said the administration is pushing for $1.9 trillion toward averting the economic crisis brought about by COVID-19.

The topline numbers were discussed and King said the Biden officials on the call were open to the senators’ input.