If you’re confused about the current budget crisis, this is the episode for you!
Sierra Noe joins our crew to discuss some of the main events surrounding the issue, including why progressive House Democrats refuse to vote on the $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill unless Senate Democrats agree to pass the $3.5 trillion dollar “Build Back Better” agenda in its current form. (For a full debate on some of the items contained in this bill, listen to Ep. 12 Human Infrastructure — the bill has been called both).
House Democrats (Led by Speaker Pelosi) are determined to pass the $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill AND the $3.5 trillion "Build Back Better" package as one giant bundle. They refuse to call for a vote on these issues individually.
The infrastructure bill received bipartisan support (from both Democrats & Republicans) but progressive democrats in the House refuse to vote in favor of the infrastructure bill unless senate Democrats pass the Build Back Better (aka human infrastructure) bill.
Senators Manchin (WV) and Cinema (AZ) are opposed to the $2.5 trillion "Build Back Better", knocking the Senate Democrat vote count down to 48. They need at least 50 to pass.
Sen. Manchin stands by the original deal he signed with senate majority leader Chuck Schumer which outlined $1.5 trillion in spending -- any additional spending would require means-testing (proof of its necessity and correct allocation/use).
Senators Manchin & Cinema face mounting pressure from the progressives in their party and President Biden to cave and vote in favor of the $5 trillion budget package.
The livestream of this episode can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBt3I-Kq8uM&t=677s
Our recordings are live-streamed every Saturday at 12pm central.
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