Biden Simply Spent 2 Hours With GOP Senators in What Republicans Are Calling a ‘Helpful’ and ‘Wonderful Assembly’

Since inauguration day, Republicans have attacked President Joe Biden over his demands for unity. Many Democrats have urged the new president to ditch attempts to unite with die-hard Republicans if that means compromise on his broader progressive agenda.

Despite attacks from the right and barbs from the left, President Biden invited a group of ten GOP senators who were putting together a coronavirus relief bill to speak with him in the White House on Sunday. They agreed and sat down at 5 p.m. Monday. The meeting ended after two hours and the Republicans were satisfied.

If nothing else, this should end the attacks on Biden’s call for unity. President Donald Trump did not seek to unite the country, his legacy was literally pitting different groups against each other.

The offer on the table was a $ 618 billion package, about a third of the Democrats’ $ 1.9 trillion package. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellin has urged Congress to “act big”.

Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) told reporters after visiting the White House, “I think it was an excellent meeting and we are very grateful that the President spent so much time on it as his first official meeting in the Oval Office us in an open and very useful discussion. “

Democrats were not invited. Biden doesn’t need GOP votes but hopes to heal the nation by showing he’s ready to listen.

Collins also described the general feeling as “hopeful” for a bipartisan bill, adding, “I wouldn’t say we have come together on a package.”

It is not yet known whether specific agreements have been made.

Senator Susan Collins meeting Pres. Commenting on COVID relief, Biden: “I think it was an excellent meeting, and we are very grateful that the President spent so much time with us in an open and very useful discussion as his first official meeting in the Oval Office.” pic.twitter.com/2qiNydm1vS

– ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) February 2, 2021