Many lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have expressed optimism and support for the emerging deal. Moderate Senators admitted the proposal outlined would upset partisans on both sides, but is a necessary compromise as the country faces rising COVID-19 case counts and economic pain.

Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, who also caucuses with Democrats, said the “whole idea” of the proposal was something that would “work for a substantial majority of both houses,” even if it’s “not entirely satisfactory to everybody.”

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Sanders objected to giving “legal immunity to corporations”, as well as the exclusion of another round of $1,200 checks for Americans, which was part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act passed in March. He called this departure “not acceptable”.

“At a time when the COVID crisis is the worst that it has ever been in the U.S. with record-breaking levels of hospitalization and death, the Manchin-Romney proposal not only provides no direct payments to working families, it does nothing to address the health care crisis and has totally inadequate financial assistance for the most vulnerable,” Sanders said. “That is wrong morally and it is wrong economically if we hope to rebuild the economy.”

President-elect Joe Biden has encouraged the bipartisan talks, and suggested Friday that he favors the direct payments, saying, “I think it would be better if they had the $1,200” and that he believes that “may be still in play.”

Sanders’ statement indicates some possible progressive opposition, and any successful legislation will need support from Republicans and Democrats.