February 22, 2021 coronavirus news
CNNOliver Contreras/Bloomberg/Getty Images This week is President Biden’s first big test, as his massive relief Covid-19 relief bill comes together on the Hill, with very little bipartisan support. On the cusp of 500,000 Covid-19 deaths and nearly one year into the pandemic that devastated the economy, saw rising unemployment, shuttered businesses and shattered families, Democrats will try to remain united and pass one more massive $1.9 trillion relief bill testing the party’s ability to deliver for their new President and lead together. Bottom line: The next three weeks will give an early glimpse into how the Democrats’ moderates and progressives work together, who is willing to make good on their threats to torpedo legislation and who is willing to set aside their political grievances in the name of the bigger picture. When you ask members on the fence why they are voting for a bill that includes provisions they may not be so keen on their answer is simple: you cannot vote against Biden’s first big ask and you certainly can’t vote against it when it polls like this package does.