Biden cancels trip to Chicago amid legislative agenda



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Biden scrapped his travel plans following meetings on Tuesday with Democratic Senses Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona aimed at bridging the gap between moderate senators and progressive lawmakers over 3 budget reconciliation legislation. , $ 5 trillion and the fate of the two-party infrastructure of $ 1.2 trillion agreement.

“In meetings and appeals over the weekend and through to today, President Biden has engaged with members of Congress on the way forward for the Build Back Better Act and the agreement. bipartisan on infrastructure. He will now stay in the White House tomorrow to continue working on advancing these two laws to create jobs, develop the economy and invest in families, rather than missed giveaways to the rich and big business ” , said a White House official.

The decision to stay in Washington is a sign of how important the next two days are in determining the fate of the centerpieces of Biden’s legislative agenda and the central role the president plays in driving those negotiations.

Leading progressive House lawmakers on Tuesday warned that they would vote against the infrastructure bill in a House vote on Thursday, unless there is a deal on budget reconciliation, the $ 3.5 trillion package. dollars that Manchin and Sinema called too expensive.

“There is a strong feeling that progress is being made,” said a source familiar with the discussions. “Our big gun stays here.”

Biden remained behind closed doors Tuesday in meetings with Manchin and Sinema, while speaking on the phone with progressive lawmakers, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

“You know me. I’m a born optimist,” Biden said Monday of the prospects for a deal between warring factions in his party. “I think things are going to be okay. I think we’re going to get there, and – but I have meetings tonight, tomorrow, and for the next little while, so …”

Biden was due to travel to Chicago on Wednesday to highlight the effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccine requirements. A White House official said the trip would be rescheduled.

“There will be more to come about her engagement over the next two days, and the trip to Chicago to discuss the continued importance of getting people vaccinated will be rescheduled,” the White House official said.

This story has been updated with additional reports.

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