We at @punchbowlnews have a lot of reporting on infrastructure. relief. Lot of fluid dynamics as we embark on this epic adventure to pass yet *another* several trillion $ bill.
1) @SpeakerPelosi said on a caucus call this wk she wants the bill through the House by July 4.
1) @SpeakerPelosi said on a caucus call this wk she wants the bill through the House by July 4.
That is going to be really hard. there are 92 days and just six legislative weeks between now and then. And this isnt like the American Rescue Package, for which they had a framework. This is a brand new bill, contentious policies, regionalism etc. Doable, but tricky
2) The bill that Biden proposed is a proposal. Congress isn't going to take it as is. They have their own ideas -- many of them will track closely with Biden, some of them may not. But ya gotta remember what Biden says isn't gospel. @RonaldKlain and co presumably understand that
3) Bidens bill is $2.5T over 8, with taxes paying for it over 15. If the taxes are repealed, bill isn't paid for. Tricky! WH describes as temporary spending paid for by permanent tax increases.
4) Everybody, let's be clear. This is going to be done by reconciliation. No way Rs are going to go for this. Why? Because they haven't gone for anything, and they want to run on Dems raising taxes. Cynical? Maybe. Realistic? probably
5) We can drop our focus on the two bills, one bill etc. The way this is going to get through is a large-scale reconciliation bill in Sept. Bill will be massive, and too big for anyone to feel good about stopping it.
6) Yes, I get it. Northeastern Dems are angry about SALT caps. They'll fold. Bet me.
7) WH planning speech on part 2 of this bill week of 4/12 or 4/19.
7) WH planning speech on part 2 of this bill week of 4/12 or 4/19.
8) Finally, there are two theories bouncing around right now. Either Dems should try to preserve the majority they have, or spend it like they'll lose it. They are clearly going for the latter.
OK and one more thing on the timeline
The House’s July 4 goal means the Senate won’t take up the infrastructure-only portion of the Biden package until the middle of July at the absolute earliest. That’s if the House makes Pelosi’s goal.
The House’s July 4 goal means the Senate won’t take up the infrastructure-only portion of the Biden package until the middle of July at the absolute earliest. That’s if the House makes Pelosi’s goal.
And remember: Government funding comes up at the end of September. As does the debt limit.
in other words, this is going to be the next 6 months, most likely. infrastructure half year.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
