Bargainers: Bipartisan Deal Near On Trimmed $10B COVID Bill

A bipartisan group of senators has proposed a $10 billion COVID relief package, significantly less than the $22 billion initially requested by the White House. The funding will focus on vaccines, treatments, and testing, with half allocated for treatments. Health officials will have discretion over spending. Democrats emphasize urgency, while Republicans demand fiscal responsibility and a Congressional Budget Office score. The bill aims for approval before the Easter break, despite a tight timeline.

What is the total amount agreed upon by the bipartisan group for COVID relief funding?

• $5 billion

• $10 billion

• $15 billion

• $22 billion

Why do the White House and Democrats consider the COVID relief funding urgent?

• To increase vaccine exports

• To fund new infrastructure projects

• To prevent shortages in treatments for the immunocompromised

• To reduce taxes

What is the main concern of Republicans regarding the new COVID funding?

• It should be fully paid for with unspent previous relief money

• It should focus only on vaccines

• It should be increased to $22 billion

• It should be used for international aid

Who is leading the negotiations for the COVID relief funding bill?

• Senator Mitch McConnell

• Senator Mitt Romney

• Senator Chuck Schumer

• Senator Bernie Sanders

What is the purpose of obtaining a score from the Congressional Budget Office?

• To calculate the number of jobs created

• To determine the immediate impact on the economy

• To assess the long-term impact on the federal government

• To evaluate the effectiveness of vaccines