Biden and Manchin unite on reconciliation

President BidenJoe BidenBiden and Xi Jinping will hold a virtual summit by the end of this year. met the senator. Joe manchinJoe ManchinSanders refused to sign statement condemning protests against Sinema: Graham report opposes short-term debt increase, warns of being “held hostage” to filibuster Schumer-McConnell debt increase talks boil over Thursday MORE (DW.Va.) on Thursday about his economic agenda as the president tries to unite Democrats behind a reconciliation compromise that contains many of his priorities.

The White House confirmed the meeting, which took place privately before Biden traveled to Chicago for an event to promote coronavirus vaccinations on Thursday afternoon.

“The President and Senator Manchin had a good conversation about the President’s Build Back Better program,” said the deputy White House press secretary. Karine Jean-PierreKarine Jean-Pierre Biden and Xi agree to abide by Taiwan money deal – Brought to you by NRHC – Democrats break through debt ceiling Rubicon Biden backs Powell amid criticism of Warren MORE told reporters aboard Air Force One. “We remain in close contact on this matter. We discuss with him and also with his team. I have no details of the meeting beyond that.

A spokesperson for Manchin declined to provide details of the meeting, which took place at the White House.

Manchin is one of two leading moderate senators Democrats are pushing through to pass the reconciliation package, which is expected to contain provisions on climate change, expand access to education, child care and health care, and create a new paid vacation program.

Manchin and Sen. Kyrsten CinemaKyrsten SinemaSanders refused to sign a statement condemning the protests against Sinema: The Graham report opposes rising short-term debt and warns of being “held hostage” to do violence. obstructing Schumer-McConnell debt increase talks extend Thursday MORE (D-Arizona) have expressed doubts about the cost of the legislation – a sum of up to $ 3.5 trillion. After initially floating $ 1.5 trillion, Manchin earlier this week opened the door to a reconciliation package costing up to $ 2.2 trillion.

Biden told reporters earlier this week that he believed Manchin was “moving.” Biden has also indicated that he would sign a reconciliation bill if it contained the controversial Hyde Amendment – a request by Manchin that drew opposition from other party members.

“What I asked Senator Manchin, as well as Senator Sinema, is decide what they like about Build Back Better and then go from there,” Biden told reporters earlier this week. , when asked about negotiations with the two moderates. senators.

Sinema has not publicly announced a price that she could support, causing frustration among some Democrats. Progressive activists sought to pressure Sinema over the weekend by following her to a bathroom at Arizona State University and demanding that she support the reconciliation bill.

When asked Thursday if Biden is planning to meet with Sinema, Jean-Pierre only said the White House remains “in close contact” with the Arizona senator and her team.

“We are operating in good faith here with her,” said Jean-Pierre, adding: “We are in contact with many members and senators.”

House tenant Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiSanders refused to sign statement condemning protests against Sinema: report Pelosi’s office denies allegations about Trump’s meeting from Grisham’s book Legislative limbo – how far can they go? FOLLOWING (D-Calif.) Delayed a vote last week on the infrastructure bill passed by the Senate and negotiated by Biden, with progressive lawmakers pledging to vote against it, unless the reconciliation is also progressing.

Pelosi has now set a new deadline, at the end of October, for the approval of the $ 1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. It is not known, however, if the Democrats will meet this self-imposed deadline.