$2 trillion measure faces hurdles in the Senate.
On Friday, the House of Representatives passed President Biden’s $1.85 trillion Build Back Better Act, sending the measure to the Senate. While the legislation is designed to improve social programs and address environmental issues, it includes a provision that would help millions of illegal workers remain in the United States.
The Senate parliamentarian must complete an analysis of the House-passed bill to ensure it conforms to the uses of a budgetary tactic (reconciliation) Senate majority members plan to use to pass the legislation with 51 votes instead of the usual 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster. The parliamentarian has previously rejected other efforts to add immigration policy to the bill.
There are also several majority members who have been uncertain of the measure. Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia is one who has expressed concerns about the high cost of the bill and that it would prolong or worsen inflation that is hitting his constituents.
A Congressional Budget Office estimate said the legislation would add $357 billion to budget deficits over a decade, but did not account in the topline for revenue raised by increased IRS enforcement of tax laws.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said he plans to bring up the bill before Christmas. If the Senate makes changes, the House will have to take up the Senate-passed measure and accept the modifications.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the Senate as they work with the Build Back Better Act as passed by the House.
- For U.S. officials as they consider the financial security of the nation and of individual Americans.
- For members of Congress who will be departing Washington for their Thanksgiving recess.
Sources: Washington Examiner, CNBC, The Hill
