The talks have underscored fundamental differences in what the parties consider infrastructure and what they see as the federal government’s role in a changing economy. The White House wants a plan to include not only upgrades to transportation, broadband and water systems, but also investments in clean energy, care for dependent family members, housing and schools.
The GOP wants a more narrow focus on areas including roads, bridges, airports, broadband and water systems.
Whether Biden chooses to craft a bipartisan agreement or pass a bill with only Democratic support, he could face backlash from Democrats. Some progressive lawmakers, including Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., have grown wary of the president’s efforts to cut his original $2.3 trillion proposal in order to win Republican votes.
“If what we’ve read is true, I would have a very difficult time voting yes on this bill,” he said in a statement Thursday. “$2 trillion was already the compromise. President Biden can’t expect us to vote for an infrastructure deal dictated by the Republican Party.”
Still, Psaki signaled Friday that the administration has not shut the door on a bipartisan deal. She told reporters “there’s runway left” on the talks.
However, she suggested the White House would put a cap on how long it negotiates with Republicans.
“There are some realities of timelines” on the talks, she said, “including the fact that Congressman DeFazio is leading the markup of key components of the American Jobs Plan next week.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has told his caucus he wants to pass an infrastructure bill by July.
Article source: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/04/joe-biden-and-shelley-moore-capito-to-hold-more-infrastructure-talks.html