Upton Not Optimistic About COVID Relief Plan

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Congressman Fred Upton is not optimistic about the chances for a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package. He tells WSJM News all indications are the Biden administration is ready to go it alone on its $1.9 trillion plan with only Democratic support.

“I’m sorry to say that it looks like a very partisan exercise,” Upton said. “Last week, all of the House committees met to talk about their role on what’s relevant, germane to their committees, whether it be education, energy, ways and means, tax provisions, minimum wage. Not a single Republican amendment was adopted in any of the committees.”

Upton says the minimum wage increase to $15 an hour is a major problem. He also thinks the plan should include liability protections for small businesses.

“I’d like to think that they could be added. We were very close to getting language. That’s nowhere to be seen.”

Upton says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is likely to bring the proposal forward next week, with a vote possible Friday or Saturday. He does not expect it will get any Republican votes.