WASHINGTON (Reuters) — President Joe Biden has proposed a $1.9 trillion package to fight the coronavirus and help those affected by it. A group of 10 Senate Republicans has proposed a smaller $600 billion package. Biden met late Monday with Republicans to hear their pitch for the smaller, more targeted package.
Here is how the two plans compare:
Public health
Biden’s plan calls for a national vaccination program, more rapid testing and additional medical equipment. It also would hire 100,000 new public health workers to help with contact tracing and vaccine outreach.
Cost: $160 billion
The Republican plan would also set up a national vaccination program, expand testing and equipment, and reimburse hospitals and other medical providers.
Cost: $160 billion
Unemployment insurance
Biden has called for an additional $400 per week in unemployment benefits through September.
Cost: $350 billion
The Republicans have proposed an additional $300 per week in unemployment benefits through June 30.
Cost: $130 billion
Direct payments
Biden is seeking a third round of direct payments of up to $1,400 per person, though details remain unclear.
Cost: $465 billion
Republicans are proposing an additional $1,000 per person, with an additional $500 for children and other dependents. Benefits would be targeted at people who earn less than $50,000 per year or families that earn less than $100,000.
Cost: $220 billion
Aid to state and local governments
Biden: $350 billion
Republicans: None
Schools
Biden: $130 billion to help K-12 reopen; $35 billion for higher education
Republicans: $20 billion for K-12; nothing for higher education
Small businesses
Biden: $15 billion in small business grants; $35 billion in low-interest loans
Republicans: $50 billion for low-interest loans
Childcare
Biden: Expand tax credits to help families cover up to $3,600 in child-care costs, at a cost of $120 billion; provide $25 billion for child care providers and $15 billion in block grants
Republicans: $20 billion in block grants
Rental assistance
Biden: Extend a foreclosure moratorium until Sept. 30; provide an additional $30 billion in rental and utility-bill aid; $5 billion in housing for the homeless
Republicans: None
Paid leave
Biden would require companies and the federal government to offer paid leave for workers concerned about the coronavirus and cover the cost for small and medium-sized businesses.
Food assistance
Biden: Expand the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as “food stamps,” and expand aid for women and children.
Cost: Not publicized
Republicans: Similar provisions.
Cost: $12 billion
Miscellaneous
Biden: Raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour; $4 billion for mental health and substance abuse services; $20 billion for veterans’ health; health-insurance subsidies; $20 billion for public transit; $20 billion for American Indian tribes; $10 billion for cyber defense programs
Republicans: $4 billion for mental health and substance abuse services
Reporting by Andy Sullivan; Editing by Aurora Ellis
