The White House on Friday said there was “work ahead” on an infrastructure deal announced by President Joe Biden but maintained the agreement isn’t in danger as some Republicans raise concerns.
In announcing the bipartisan deal on Thursday, Biden committed to a two-track strategy. He said he wouldn’t sign the infrastructure PAVE, +0.08% package unless a larger one reflecting his priorities is also passed.
Now see: Here’s what’s in the infrastructure deal agreed to by Biden and senators
“I expect that in the coming months, this summer, before the fiscal year is over, that we will have voted on this bill, the infrastructure bill, as well as voted on the budget resolution. But if only one comes to me — this is the only one that comes to me — I’m not signing it. It’s in tandem,” he told reporters.
The budget process known as reconciliation allows for a bill’s passage without Republican votes. A separate bill could contain, among other things, Biden’s American Families Plan, which focuses on domestic priorities like education and child care.
Read: ‘We have a deal,’ Biden says after meeting with senators on bipartisan infrastructure plan
Late Thursday, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said Biden’s ultimatum “almost makes your head spin,” according to the Hill.
“An expression of bipartisanship and then an ultimatum on behalf of your left-wing base,” the Kentucky senator said. Other GOP senators are also raising concerns about the infrastructure plan’s contents and whether proposed funding sources will really cover the cost of spending priorities, the Hill reported.
Briefing reporters Friday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the infrastructure deal is proceeding.
“There’s work ahead. There’s no question about that. But yesterday was a significant moment when you saw Democrats and Republicans, and the president of the United States, stand outside together and say, we’ve come to agreement to work toward passing a historic investment in infrastructure.”
Psaki said Biden was going to “work like hell” to get both the infrastructure and larger packages signed into law. The timing is up to Congress, she added.
Politico, citing Democratic leaders, reported that the deadline for getting both measures to Biden’s desk is Sept. 30.
June 26, 2021 at 01:18AM
https://ift.tt/3jfu3Em
White House sees 'work ahead' on infrastructure plan as some Republicans raise concerns - MarketWatch
https://ift.tt/2VuKK1x
Work
No comments:
Post a Comment