Topline
Many House Republicans, who had previously stated that they would support a $1.2 billion infrastructure bill, have shifted to more opposing positions Friday after President Joe Biden connected the core infrastructure package to a larger social spending bill Democrats want to pass without Republican support.
UNITED STATES – April 14: Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.) speaks at a press conference after a... [+] House Republican Caucus meeting in Washington, Wednesday, April 14, 2021. The House Republican members discussed their recent trip to Mexico's southern border and the influx of migrants into the United States. (Photo by Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images. CQ Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
The Key Facts
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb). The chair of the moderate Republican Governance Group (Republican from New York) called Biden's comments dishonest and stated that he would do his best to make sure the bill gets a few GOP votes. Others who previously stated they were undecided also gave harsh reviews. Rep. Peter Meijer (R.Mich.), said that he doesn't know how he could spike the bill even more. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R.N.Y., said she wouldn't vote for the bipartisan bill if it was linked with the social spend package.
Important Background
In a Friday caucus meeting, Biden stated that he views the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill and the social spending bill as being tied together. He predicted that the total will range from $1.9 trillion to $2.2 billion. The budget reconciliation process, by which Democrats seek to pass the social expenditure bill, allows it to surpass the Senate's 60-vote threshold. This means it can be passed with only Democratic votes. House progressives were delighted by Biden's comments. Several of them have called for passage of the social-spending bill before voting for the infrastructure bill.
Important Quote
Rep. Jim Banks (R.Ind.) said that this was what Republicans had been saying for years. The conservative Republican Study Committee chair and leading critic of the infrastructure bill, Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), said that Biden's comments linking the two package was unacceptable. He said that the Democrats did not do what they promised, which is a good thing.
Tangent
Bacon stated that he felt bad for moderate Democrats following House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's repeated delays to a vote on the infrastructure bill. After striking an agreement in August with moderates, Bacon added that he had heard from one moderate Democrat Friday who called Pelosi a liar and said she was deeply disappointed by Pelosi's decision.
What to Watch
It may not matter if the infrastructure bill is supported by the House, even though 19 Republicans voted in favor of it in the Senate. The White House can broker an agreement with moderate senators. Both bills on the social spending package will pass with progressive support if they are negotiated by the White House.
