10 Republican Senators, Including Romney, Murkowski Send Letter to Biden Asking For “Compromise”

A group of 10 Republican senators urged Joe Biden on Sunday to reconsider his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, saying they wanted a meeting to discuss a possible “compromise” that they said could win swift “bipartisan” support.

In a letter to Biden, the usual Republican suspects, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitt Romney and seven other senators said they would release on Monday their proposed legislation to address the coronavirus crisis.

“Our proposal reflects many of your stated priorities, and with your support, we believe that this plan could be approved quickly by Congress with bipartisan support,” the group wrote in the letter, whose signatories also included Bill Cassidy, Shelley Moore Capito, Todd Young, Jerry Moran, Michal Rounds.

Rob Portman, who has announced he will not seek re-election in 2022, also signed the letter, which said the group wished to “work in good faith” with the new administration.

While offering few specifics, they said their plan echoed Biden’s call for more funding to boost vaccines and testing as well as support for schools and child care centers, but said their plan would include more targeted assistance for families in need and additional funds for small businesses.

Brian Deese, director of the National Economic Council, told CNN’s State of the Union program that the White House had seen the letter and would review it.

Here’s a copy of the letter, in full:

Given the fact Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins and Mitt Romney are part of this tells you everything you need to know.

People say that the Left doesn’t want any opposition. That’s not true. They want an opposition that will distract non-liberals, always lose every major battle, and never complain about their losses. Mitt Romney is perfect for them. https://t.co/K1GbHU418p

— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) January 31, 2021