(LibertySociety.com) – For any bill to become law, both Houses of Congress must approve it, and it must receive a signature from POTUS. In October, two infrastructure bills were on the table, but lawmakers cut the one brimming with social programs and an original $3.5-trillion price tag in half because not all Democrats could agree amongst themselves. Now, the proposal sits at $1.75 trillion, and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) seems to be on board with moving it forward.
Although the Moderate Democrat stopped short of publicly committing to the legislation, he went so far as to say the bill is “in the hands of the House right now,” indicating he will support the spending framework.
Biden & Manchin agreed to $1.75 trillion number and the general framework. Congressional negotiators say the conflicts remaining involve Medicare expansion, immigration, and how to best change the tax code. Still confident on both sides of Pennsylvania Ave that deal gets done.
— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) October 29, 2021
Manchin and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) stuck by their principles during bill negotiations because they felt the Build Back Better proposal included items that were too progressive and too costly. The legislators took issue with paid family leave, reducing prescription drug prices, increasing the tax rate for corporations, and the Clean Energy Performance Program.
Based on Manchin’s comments, it seems the pared-down bill will pass the Senate with the bipartisan $1.2-trillion infrastructure package that passed the Senate months ago. Although significantly less spending than the original proposal, the overall plans still represent nearly $3 trillion in spending for infrastructure that will significantly impact many American citizens for years to come.
Copyright 2021, LibertySociety.com
