But he added, “We can better target the number — I’m OK with that.”
It was a part of a two-track technique that Mr. Biden and Democrats are using to velocity via the aid package deal: Show Republicans that they’ve the votes to move an formidable plan with solely Democratic backing, however supply to negotiate some particulars in hopes of gaining Republican help.
Later Wednesday, the president met for an hour and a half on the White House with main Senate Democrats. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the bulk chief, emerged from the assembly, saying there was “universal agreement we must go big and bold.”
“We want to do it bipartisan, but we must be strong,” Mr. Schumer mentioned. “We cannot dawdle, we cannot delay, we cannot dilute, because the troubles that this nation has and the opportunities that we can bring them are so large.”
Some Republicans have argued that the subsequent spherical of stimulus checks ought to go to Americans most in want. Under Mr. Biden’s plan, the complete $1,400 fee could be restricted to people incomes not more than $75,000 a yr, however these with larger incomes would obtain smaller checks.
The president’s sign that he was open to compromise on the matter got here a few days after he met on the White House with 10 Republican senators who’re searching for a $618 billion package they mentioned may win bipartisan backing. Their proposal requires checks of up to $1,000 that may go solely to people incomes lower than $50,000 a yr, with the complete fee restricted to these whose annual earnings was $40,000 or beneath.
Republicans, although, appeared unified towards the plan except Mr. Biden made important concessions.
“If there are no changes, why I wouldn’t think any one Republican will be voting for his proposal,” mentioned Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, a member of the group that met with Mr. Biden on Monday.
As for the $15 minimal wage included in Mr. Biden’s plan, Mr. Romney mentioned flatly, “That’s not going to get passed.”