Ahead of summits, stumping, Biden focuses on spending bills

Ahead of planned summits in Europe, as well as expected campaign appearances for Democratic gubernatorial candidates, President Joe Biden spent his weekend in discussions over his two spending bills. Those discussions happened at the president’s Delaware home Sunday. They involved Biden, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Sen. Joe Manchin.

According to Politco, the three made “progress” towards a final agreement, although one was not reached. There have been disputes between centrist and progressive Democrats for months over the size of the larger bill, as well as what’s included in it.

What was initially a $3.5 trillion larger spending bill has been cut in half, though Biden has said he’d like to see a $2 trillion package. However, according to Politico, it appears Sen. Manchin is stuck at $1.5 trillion.

“It is less than what was projected to begin with, but it’s still bigger than anything we have ever done in terms of addressing the needs of America’s working families,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union”.

One area where it appears Manchin may be budging regards the White House proposals for new taxes on billionaires and certain corporations. According to The Associated Press, a person who insisted on anonymity to discuss Manchin’s position told the AP Manchin is agreeable to the proposals.

Those proposals are one of several parts of the larger spending bill the Biden is fighting for, but are on the chopping block. Others include paid parental leave and expanded Medicare benefits; free community college has already been struck from the bill. Child tax credit subsidies for the Affordable Care Act and housing assistance have stayed, although at a smaller price tag. These could change as negotiations continue.

Biden is also expected to spend part of the week stumping for Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. Biden also has trips planned to parts of Europe for summits on the economy and climate change.