"House Democratic leaders continued to project outward confidence last night they’ll be able to reach an agreement with the Senate by Thursday on a massive spending package, despite a litany of outstanding policy differences related to climate and continued clashes over the current $3.5 trillion top-line number.
In a closed-door caucus meeting, however, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) delivered a sobering reality check: They may not meet the deadline to close the deal, which progressives say they need in order to shore up the votes to pass a separate $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure measure.
Democrats, Pelosi said, must be prepared for that possibility, blaming the standoff over the existing price tag as the reason why negotiations have been moving slower than anticipated.
“House and Senate Democrats — we are completely in sync: we are going to have the same bill. We are not going to pass a bill … that won’t pass the Senate,” she told members, according to a source familiar with her remarks. “And that’s why we have to come up with a number. But we’re not there yet.”"
Emma Dumain, Geof Koss, Nick Sobczyk, and Jeremy Dillon report for E&E News September 28, 2021.
SEE ALSO:
"House Coalescing Around Infrastructure Deal" (Axios)
"Democrats Fear Climate Impact Of Only Passing Bipartisan Bill" (E&E News)
"U.S. Global Climate Promises Hang On Reconciliation Battle" (E&E News)
"Pelosi Vows To Pass $1T Bill, Move Ahead On Larger Measure" (AP)
"Congress Is Debating Its Biggest Climate Change Bill Ever. Here's What's At Stake" (NPR)
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