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As Democrats argued for an agreement on a social safety net bill, one of the main dissenters, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, left Washington on Friday. The reason, his spokesperson said, was a medical appointment for a foot injury.
But on Saturday, she is also due to attend her political action committee “retreat” with donors at an upscale resort and spa in Phoenix, three different sources, including one attendee, confirmed. The hotel has also confirmed the event, which will begin with a cocktail at 5.30pm on Saturday, followed by dinner.
Raising money for lawmakers is of course not unusual, but Ms Sinema’s timing will certainly increase the level of frustration her fellow Democrats already feel towards the senator. President Biden and Democratic leaders in Congress attempt to reach a framework deal on a climate change and social policy bill that can be passed with votes from every Senate Democrat and virtually every House Democrat .
This need for unanimity gave Ms. Sinema the right to veto. The senator, who is not re-elected until 2024, has met with White House negotiators on several occasions, but some Democrats say she has not been engaged in the intense negotiations necessary to at least reach agreement on a 10 year cost of the invoice. On the other hand, the other refractory, Senator Joe Manchin III of West Virginia, remains in Washington this weekend.
Earlier this week, Ms. Sinema’s “Sinema for Arizona” fundraising arm hosted an event on Capitol Hill with five business lobby groups, many of whom fiercely oppose the bill they are supposed to. to negotiate. Under the political logo of Ms. Sinema, the influential National Association of Wholesalers-Distributors and PAC of Grocers, as well as lobbyists for roofers and electrical contractors and a group of small businesses called the S- Political Action Committee. Corp, invited the members of the association to an undisclosed location. Tuesday afternoon for 45 minutes to write checks for $ 1,000 to $ 5,800.
This weekend’s event is billed as a “retreat” for its political action committee.
Senator Spokesman John LaBombard said on Friday: “Senator Sinema is currently in Phoenix where she has a medical appointment today for her broken foot, and where she is continuing negotiations from a distance with the White House. . Before leaving Washington for Arizona, she offered the White House to continue negotiations at a distance. ”
She was due to start her next call with White House officials at 2:30 p.m., he said.
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