Democrats Are ‘Within Striking Distance’ Of Massive Social Spending Deal, Pelosi Says

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) said on Sunday that Democrats are in “striking distance” of winning a long-sought-after agreement on President Joe Biden‘s domestic agenda.

The speaker said there are a “couple outstanding issues” to work out on  healthcare, but the environmental aspects of the bill “are resolved.” “It’s exciting because whatever it is it’s going to be bigger than anything we’ve ever done for the American people,” she said.

A key barrier blocking a deal is Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona), who opposes increasing taxes on corporations and the wealthy. Biden in a CNN town hall said that Sinema’s opposition would stop Democrats from including those funding sources in the $2 trillion package.

Pelosi downplayed any divisions, noting Democrats proposed trillions in new revenue as a part of the package. Since moderates have forced Biden to bring to price down to around $2 trillion, House committee leaders need to find tax hikes acceptable to Sinema to pay for it.

Party leaders have set Oct. 31 as an informal date to vote on the package.

Article by Ian Darville