She expressed optimism after virtual meeting with president and Senate majority leader.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi met virtually on Friday with President Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Upon her return to Capitol Hill, she told reporters that a deal was within reach on the sweeping social spending package. To date, there have been problems reaching an agreement between liberal and centrist members in her party on the centerpiece of the president’s domestic agenda.
“We had a very positive meeting this morning,” the House speaker said. “I’m very optimistic.” She called the spending package “bigger than anything we’ve ever done with Americans,” arguing it will create jobs and address “urgent” climate needs.
She did not shed light on when the deal can be expected or when a vote would be scheduled. A few tweaks to the legislation are needed, and Speaker Pelosi said, “Much of what we need to do has been written,” adding that just a few decisions remain.
When asked if Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin were on board for a deal, she replied, “That’s up to the Senate and the White House to decide.” The two senators have objected to the size and scope of a $3.5 trillion proposal. Senator Manchin has said his price cap is $1.5 trillion, far below what Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and members of the House Progressive Caucus are seeking.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the House as they consider the largest spending bill to ever come before Congress.
- For members of the Senate as they debate reducing the size and scope of the legislation.
- For Congress to seek God’s wisdom regarding the impact of so large a spending bill on existing inflationary pressures.
Sources: Washington Examiner, The Hill
