Poll: Both Democrats And Republicans Want A Covid Relief Package — And Many Think Bigger Is Better - Forbes

Topline

The vast majority of Americans want Congress to pass another Covid-19 economic relief bill, and most members of both political parties aren’t worried that the measures being crafted in Congress are too expensive, according to a CBS News poll released Tuesday as President Joe Biden and Democrats set their sights on a massive $1.9 trillion stimulus package.

Key Facts

Some 83% of American adults say they want Congress to approve another bout of aid for struggling people and businesses, CBS News and YouGov found, including 95% of Democrats, 80% of independents and 70% of Republicans.

Most Americans are undeterred by the size of the current relief bill: 39% feel it offers the right amount of aid, whereas 40% think it’s too small and 20% say it’s too large.

Republicans are far more likely than Democrats to believe the current plan is too large (38% versus 6%, respectively), but 61% of Republicans say the plan is either too small or the appropriate size, compared to 93% of Democrats.

Similarly, a Quinnipiac poll from last week found 68% of Americans support Biden’s plan, including 97% of Democrats and 37% of Republicans.

The CBS News/YouGov poll surveyed 2,508 adults between Feb. 5 and 8.

Key Background

Democrats hope to pass an economic relief package through both houses of Congress by mid-March. Lawmakers are still drafting the bill and working out details, but Democrats’ $1.9 trillion plan is expected to include $1,400 stimulus checks for many Americans, additional unemployment aid for about six months, assistance for struggling renters and aid to state and local governments. Some Republicans and Democrats, meanwhile, are pushing for a more targeted bill with a smaller price tag and narrower eligibility for stimulus checks.

What To Watch For

Many voters want a bipartisan relief package: Some 41% of Americans — including 52% of Republicans and 35% of Democrats — told CBS News and YouGov it’s very important to them. However, it’s unclear whether the final bill will garner bipartisan support. Biden and congressional Democrats have rebuffed Republicans’ proposals for a much smaller relief package, and they’ve signaled a willingness to pass their bill along party lines.

Big Number

26%. That’s the share of Americans who say the pandemic has had a major impact on their finances, according to the CBS News/YouGov poll. By comparison, 39% say the pandemic has left a minor impact, and 35% say it’s had little to no impact.