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Punchbowl AM: Sweet 16 Republicans turn skepticalWe can’t speak for every R or D in the Sweet 16™, but we can say this without a doubt: There’s frustration on the R side that @JoeBiden, @SenSchumer (N.Y.) & Ds appear headed toward taking a one-party approach to Covid relief
This anger is most acute with @SenatorCollins, @senrobportman and @lisamurkowski , according to sources familiar with the state of play.
These centrist Rs say Ds are moving way too quickly toward reconciliation, which they take as a signal that Ds have no interest in the GOP’s support.
epublicans are already getting frustrated w @BrianDeeseNEC , the director of the National Economic Council, because they claim he’s ditching bipartisanship after one phone call. The reality is Deese is meeting with many of the bipartisan caucuses.
Truth be told, any R asks would probably be too steep for the Ds early in this presidency. If past is precedent, they would probably aim for a $500 billion Covid bill without a minimum wage increase and pared back state and local funding. And Democrats truly have no choice here.
The economic and health situation is dire. And as we explained yesterday, if Dems wait around for too long and Republicans don’t come around, they’ve wasted precious time.
