Topline
On Friday, President Joe Biden will make a brief stop down Pennsylvania Avenue in order to meet with Democrats at Capitol Hill. This comes at a time when some members of the president's party are complaining that he should be doing more to broker compromises on major spending bills.
WASHINGTON DC, JULY 14: U.S. president Joe Biden talks briefly to reporters after lunch with Senate Democrats at U.S. Capitol on July 14, 2020 in Washington, DC. Senator Democrats are meeting President Biden on the Hill to discuss the $3.5 trillion reconciliation agreement they reached overnight. It would increase Medicare benefits, improve federal safety net programs, combat climate change, and more. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images). Getty Images
The Key Facts
According to the White House, Biden will meet with House Democratic Caucus members. Members believe it will be in the form a caucus meeting. After a long caucus meeting that lasted for hours, Rep. Steve Cohen (D. Tenn.), said that Biden would speak with members of the House Democratic Caucus. Cohen also stated that he, as a 36 year veteran of the Senate knows how important it was to hear from the president. He added, "I, as a legislator am a mushroom." It would be great to hear from the grand mushrooms. The House is still delaying a vote on the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill. Hundreds of progressives refuse to vote on the bill unless both chambers pass a larger social expenditure bill. Although Biden's presence on Capitol Hill may not make much difference, Sen. Kyrsten (D-Ariz.), who is one of two senators that oppose the $3.5 trillion price tag for the social spending bill, was visiting Phoenix for a medical appointment. John LaBombard, her spokesperson, told Forbes. LaBombard said that Sinema is still in remote negotiations with President Obama, while Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), has stated to Forbes on Thursday that he will be staying in D.C. until the weekend. Manchin, who has suggested to reduce the social spending bill by more then half to $1.5 trillion.
Important Background
Biden's long tenure in Congress and his close bipartisan and bicameral relationships on the Hill make this his second visit to the Hill under his presidency. This is in addition to his inauguration speech and address to a joint session in Congress in April. Biden visited the Capitol last July to lobby Senate Democrats for the two spending bills.
Important Quote
As she left the previous caucus meeting, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D.Wash.), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus stated to Forbes that she needs a vote. She summarized the positions of approximately half of her members and said that the bill on social spending should be voted upon before the infrastructure package. However, she said, "If there's anything else that doesn't have a vote that gives you those same assurances, then I will listen."
