Biden cancelled a Wednesday trip that was scheduled to focus on COVID-19 vaccines in Chicago because Republicans were strongly opposed and there weren't enough Democratic votes. He wanted to be able to engage with legislators for another day before crucial votes.
Biden and his party are trying to achieve a huge legislative lift. They promise a massive rewrite of America's balance sheet, with a oh so-slim majority in Congress. Biden's plan is to raise taxes on corporations, the wealthy, and then use that money for government programs to improve health care and education. This would have a profound impact on many American lives.
As if this wasn't enough, Biden is now gaining momentum while Congress courts a crisis. Republicans won't approve routine legislation that would keep the government funded beyond Thursday's fiscal yearend. It would also raise the debt limit in order to prevent a serious default on borrowing. There are more votes expected Wednesday, and they are likely to temporarily avert a disaster.
Biden and his party are aiming for a major policy achievement, so there is a strong sense that progress is being made. A government official, who asked to remain anonymous, stated that the administration is making progress.
All eyes are focused on the Sens. Joe Manchin from West Virginia and Kyrsten Silena from Arizona both claim that the price tag for Biden’s plan is too high, but they are openly expressing their support for a lower number.
On Tuesday, the president met with two centrist senators at White House. Democrats are ready to reduce the massive measure's tax proposals as well as spending goals in order to reach the total size they demand.
After his White House meeting, Manchin said that he had "really good, honest and straightforward negotiations." He stated that he didn't give the president a new figure for his topline.
Biden's issues with fellow Democrats extend beyond the Senate. A few centrist House Democrats are expressing outrage at his expansive domestic agenda and demanding that changes be made. Progressive lawmakers caution against cutting too many, claiming they have already made enough compromises.
Progressives are applying pressure to stop support for a companion bill. This $1 trillion public works measure is up for vote on Thursday. They claim it is too small without Biden's larger package.
Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, stated that "We are obviously at a very sensitive moment." She said that the president is not going to tell anyone what they should do. He will have a conversation, engage.
It all puts the Biden agenda in danger of collapse together. The consequences will have a profound impact on his presidency as well as the future of the legislators.
In a Tuesday letter to Congress, Janet Yellen, Treasury Secretary, stated that Oct. 18 was a crucial date. This is the day when the Treasury Department will likely exhaust all its "extraordinary actions" in order to avoid defaulting on the government's obligations.
Yellen urged Congress "protect the full faith, credit and United States by acting as quickly as possible" in order to raise or suspend the debt limit.
Republicans are opposing the linkage of routine government funding and the debt limit vote. Democrats have decided to separate the two. They will leave the heated debate about the debt limit for another day closer to an October deadline.
The Senate is expected to quickly vote to approve funding for the government to prevent a shutdown of federal operations after Sept. 30, fiscal year. The House could follow suit.
A possible vote to extend debt limit through December 16 is being prepared by the House, which Democrats are likely to back. It's not clear if the Senate could approve it, even if the House approves it.
Tensions flare at the Capitol as Biden's agenda becomes more prominent amid standoff over routine votes and government operations.
When asked by reporters about Yellen’s warning that Congress must resolve the matter quickly, Mitch McConnell, Senate Republican leader, became irritated.
McConnell stated, "Officially the debt ceiling must be raised." McConnell insisted that Democrats should take on the unpopular vote.
As Biden seeks to rework the nation's spending and tax priorities, behind-the scenes action regarding the $3.5 trillion measure is proving difficult.
All Republicans opposing the bill are a problem for Democratic leaders. They can't get a single vote from the 50-50 Senate. Therefore, they rely on Kamala Harris, Vice President, to break the tie and pass the final package.
The bill, which was over 2,000 pages long, was physically held up by Republican Senator John Barrasso from Wyoming. He warned that it was nothing more than "big government socialistism."
Biden insists that the price tag will not be high because government expansion would be paid for largely by higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations. This includes individuals and businesses making more than $5,000,000 a year and those earning more $400,000 per year. For couples, the cost of the program would be $450,000.
According to those who have been around the process, it is not necessary that specific programs are axed in order to lower the cost and win over centrist Democrats. Instead, lawmakers are looking for ways to modify the duration and scope of Biden’s proposals.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), the chair of Congressional Progressive Caucus said that they have the votes necessary to stop the bill unless it is combined with Biden's broader bill -- tacit pressure for the holdouts to reach a deal. I-Vt. Senator Bernie Sanders also supported this position and called for a no vote.
