GOP Faces Biden’s Next Big Bill Weighing If It Should Ease Rules Bloomberg 3/16/2021 Erik Wasson and Emily Wilkins
(Bloomberg) President Joe Biden’s next big economic package helped set off a heated debate among Republicans over whether to participate in the return of lawmakers’ dedicated-spending projects, known as earmarks, a tussle that could be key to its success.
After muscling his $1.9 trillion pandemic-relief bill through Congress without a single Republican vote, Biden is hoping to bring GOP members aboard an infrastructure package set to be a core part of his longer-term economic plan, estimated at trillions of dollars.
Governors Wind Energy Coalition
Pressure builds ahead of Biden recovery push Source: By Geof Koss and George Cahlink, E&E News reporters • Posted: Sunday, March 14, 2021
President Biden during his speech to the nation last night. Sipa USA/Newscom
After a year of seeing top priorities sidelined in the multiple phases of COVID-19 relief, interest groups are already stepping up pressure to steer the upcoming infrastructure package toward clean energy and climate goals.
Despite applauding yesterday’s enactment of the $1.9 trillion relief bill, progressive groups made clear they’ll go after Democrats who try to stymie the size and scale of the next package.
AGENDA: Senators strike early bipartisan tone on infrastructure eenews.net - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from eenews.net Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Published: Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Oval Office meeting. Photo credit: Oliver Contreras/UPI/Newscom
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris met with House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), ranking member Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) in the Oval Office last week. Oliver Contreras/UPI/Newscom
Democrats are set to forge ahead with a clean energy and infrastructure bill centered on investment and tax incentives, but they face bruising political questions that could imperil a rare opportunity to pass climate policy into law.
Congress will likely dispense with the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package this week, clearing the legislative slate for an infrastructure bill widely expected to be based on President Biden s Build Back Better agenda.
Senate Environment and Public Works Chairman Tom Carper said yesterday that he's aiming to move a surface transportation bill through his committee with bipartisan support by Memorial Day.