The "bipartisan" infrastructure bill may be dead in the water thanks to calls by progressive Democrats to increase spending.
Though the Biden administration praised the passage of a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill in the US Senate, it may be too early to declare victory as progressive Democrats continue to demand more than twice that figure in additional spending be tacked onto the bill.
We know right now that the US Senate managed to pass a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill in a 69 to 30 vote. 19 Republicans joined all 50 Democrats to approve the legislation that will now go to the House of Representatives.
However, as laid out by Fox News, it’ll face severe opposition. "Now we just can’t blow it in the House," said Rep. Ed Case of Hawaii.
It’s described that $550 billion is set aside for "new spending" on infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, pipes, etc.) that would indeed need maintenance.
Nonetheless, the 96 members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus have recently said they will not vote yes on this infrastructure bill unless they approve other demands by way of the budget reconciliation process for things like "climate change" and measures they say would meet "the needs of working families."
Something described by them in recent days as "popular priorities."
Our Caucus has been clear: Congress must invest in infrastructure that takes on the climate crisis and meets the needs of working families.
— Progressive Caucus (@USProgressives) August 10, 2021
CPC members won't support a bipartisan bill without a bold reconciliation bill to advance our priorities. pic.twitter.com/ptM06hKt1s
So no, we’re not out of the woods yet. As progressives seek to push through a $3.5 trillion spending plan for their causes, Senator Chuck Grassley urged Democrats to reconsider the move.
"Higher taxes, excessive spending &escalating debt are not a prescription for prosperity. They are a recipe for fiscal disaster. I urge my Democrat colleagues to tap the brakes before it's too late Pls think about the future & abandon your $3.5 trillion reckless tax +spend agenda."
Higher taxes, excessive spending &escalating debt are not a prescription for prosperity. They are a recipe for fiscal disaster I urge my Democrat colleagues to tap the brakes before its too late Pls think about the future & abandon your $3.5 trillion reckless tax +spend agenda
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) August 10, 2021
Even the NPR take on the situation labelled the bill’s future as "uncertain." In their reporting, they made sure to praise the Biden administration for successfully ensuring both parties found a way to work together.
The outlet said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will get in the way of the $1.2 trillion bill passed by the Senate if the body doesn’t additionally take up consideration for this "broader budget bill."
They point out Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was among those who voted yes.
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