McCarthy: White House coronavirus funding request ‘a little low’

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said Wednesday that President Trump’s request for emergency funding to fight the coronavirus is “a little low,” becoming the latest key Republican to call for more money. 

“I think $2 billion is a little low, I think we’re probably looking at $4 billion in this process, having spoken to Democrat House members from Appropriations,” McCarthy told reporters. 

The White House earlier this week put forward a $2.5 billion request as the virus spreads around the world and officials warn of eventual spread in the U.S. Only half of the request was new money.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) on Tuesday said the White House request appeared to be a “lowball” and the final number would be “higher.”

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), meanwhile, is calling for a much higher figure of $8.5 billion. 

However, House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) cast some doubt Wednesday that the final number would be as high as Schumer’s proposal. 

“We’re working on it, we’ll have a number, but I’m not sure it’s going to be the number that Schumer’s proposing,” Lowey told reporters. 

She said she is in talks with Republicans, including Shelby, and replied “yes” when asked if the talks have been fruitful. 

Democrats have said they are still assessing the amount of money that is needed given a lack of details provided by the Trump administration. 

“This is not a time to play politics,” McCarthy said. “We want to make sure we have all the funding needed.”