Biden Praises Sanders for His Role in the COVID Relief Bill

President Joe Biden is thanking Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for his help with promoting the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package.

“I want to say to Bernie, stepping up and making the case why this was so transformational made a big difference in how a lot of how people voted,” Biden said while delivering remarks from the Rose Garden Friday.

He added, “I look out at all of you, House members as well, who have made the case to the American people why this is so important.”

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The president also praised House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Wednesday for her role in promoting the bill, as IJR reported.

“I want to thank all the members who voted for it, especially Speaker Pelosi, the finest and most capable speaker in the history of our nation,” Biden said in a statement.

He added, “Once again, she has led into law an historic piece of legislation that addresses a major crisis and lifts up millions of Americans.”

Biden signed the American Rescue Plan on Thursday afternoon after the House of Representatives passed it on Wednesday.

Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged Biden for his empathy during the Rose Garden event, as IJR reported.

“Your empathy has become a trademark of your presidency and can be found on each and every page of the American Rescue Plan,” Harris said.

Republicans have voiced their criticism of the bill. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said during a Fox News appearance on Thursday, “I said the other day that calling this a coronavirus bill is like calling Harvey Weinstein a feminist. It’s just chock-full of spending porn.”

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) argued while speaking to reporters on Wednesday, “Biden’s promise to be the bipartisan president, a president for all Americans, is going out the window today as he signs this non-COVID-19 package.”