Biden s staff quickly confirmed he would meet with the group, underscoring his interest in negotiating a bipartisan deal. The president and Congressional Democrats, however, have made clear they prefer a fast-acting, larger package.
“With the virus posing a grave threat to the country, and economic conditions grim for so many, the need for action is urgent,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said of a potential deal, noting “the scale of what must be done is large.”
The Republican group, which represents one-fifth of the GOP Senate caucus, spans the ideological spectrum from moderates to ardent conservatives. Some, like senators Susan Collins and Mitt Romney, have been open to criticizing former President Donald Trump while others in the group, including senators Thom Tillis and Todd Young, have been closely associated with the former president.
Prior to being Obama’s chief of staff from 2013-2017, he served in several national security roles in the administration, including deputy national security adviser.
VAntage Point
Veterans deserve leader who will ‘fight relentlessly,’ says SecVA nominee
Veterans deserve a leader who will “fight relentlessly” for them, said Denis McDonough, President Joe Biden’s nominee for VA secretary while speaking before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee today.
McDonough said caring for Veterans and their families by providing health care, benefits and cemetery services will be his guiding principle.
“I’ve been given a clear mission by President Biden: to be a fierce, staunch advocate for Veterans and their families,” he said. “If confirmed, I will embrace that assignment with the solemnity it demands.”
Priorities
McDonough laid out five priorities the president directed him to focus his efforts if confirmed as VA secretary.