Intraparty progressives and moderates at odds.
The House of Representatives delayed a vote on the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill as a portion of the majority party has refused to support the bill until Congress acts on a reconciliation package projected to cost $3.5 trillion.
President Biden headed to Capitol Hill Friday afternoon to meet with members of his party’s caucus to try to resolve the impasse.
In the Senate, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia have opposed the $3.5 trillion price tag and other elements in the social spending bill, raising doubts about its fate in that evenly split chamber. Both packages are central to the president’s economic agenda. Senator Manchin has set a $1.5 trillion asking price for the plan, calling the high price tag on the current plan “fiscal insanity.”
Senate Majority Leader Schumer needs all 50 senators in his caucus to support the $3.5 trillion package which they plan to pass through reconciliation. Reconciliation requires just a simple majority to pass legislation rather than the 60-vote threshold typically needed, which would not be achieved.
Congressional leaders are trying to forge a deal on the social spending plan which could expand paid leave, child care, Medicare, and education while investing in green energy. “We are on a path,” Speaker Pelosi told reporters Friday.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said congressional members are “closer to an agreement than ever,” but added that “we are not there yet, and so, we will need some additional time” to strike a deal.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of Congress as they negotiate the infrastructure and social spending bills.
- For wisdom for the president, senators, and representatives as discussions take place.
Sources: The Hill, National Review CNBC
