Despite delays with $3.5T plan, Biden vows to 'get it done'
President Joe Biden has pledged at the Capitol to "get it done" as Democrats strained to rescue a scaled-back version of his $3.5 trillion government-overhaul plan and salvage a related public works bill after days of frantic negotiations. But it's not getting done right now.
Biden huddled with House Democrats on their home ground in a private meeting Friday that was part instructional, part morale booster for the tattered caucus of lawmakers, telling them he wanted both bills passed regardless of the time it takes. He discussed a compromise topline of $1.9 trillion to more than $2 trillion for his bigger vision, according to lawmakers in the room. But it was clear they are all now in it for the long haul as the White House and its allies in Congress prepared for protracted negotiations. "It doesn't matter whether it's six minutes, six days or six weeks - we're going to get it done," Biden declared to reporters as he left his late-afternoon meeting at the Capitol.
It's a pivotal time for both president and party, as Biden's approval ratings have dropped and Democrats are restless, eager to deliver on his signature campaign promise of rebuilding the country. His ideas go beyond roads-and-bridges infrastructure to delivering dental, vision and hearing care for seniors, free pre-kindergarten for youngsters, major efforts to tackle climate change and other investments that would touch countless American lives.
Biden's sudden excursion to Capitol Hill was aimed at giving the legislation a needed boost toward the finish line. Holdout Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia had sunk hopes for a swift compromise on a framework when he refused to budge late Thursday on his demands for a smaller overall package, around $1.5 trillion, despite hours of shuttle diplomacy with White House aides.
