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After weeks of negotiations, the bipartisan group of lawmakers working to pass a compromise infrastructure bill said on Sunday lawmakers must consider tax hikes to foot the bill, even as some progressives and the White House opposed a suggested increase in the gasoline tax to fund the $ 1 trillion plan, creating another potential deadlock for one of President Biden’s highest priorities.
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 16: Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) answers questions at a press conference … [+] at the United States Capitol on January 16, 2014 in Washington, DC. Sanders spoke of “Republican efforts to cut Social Security and Medicare and other programs of great importance to working families” during his remarks. (Photo by Win McNamee / Getty Images)
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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) Told NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday that while the content of the deal announced by a bipartisan group of 21 senators earlier this month looks pretty good, he would not support a increase in the federal gasoline tax, user fees for electric vehicles or the privatization of infrastructure.
These are proposals I would not support, said the progressive lawmaker, who refused to commit to supporting or opposing the plan over these concerns, prompting calls for compromise from negotiating leaders. on the bill.
Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), a leader of the Senate group leading the plan, suggested the gasoline tax proposal had not yet been ruled out of negotiations in a separate Meet the Press interview .
I think there is still discussion on those topics, the Ohio Republican said, adding that the Biden administration will have to come up with other ideas to fund the plan that doesn’t involve raising taxes if it is. contrary to current proposals.
Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), A member of the House Problem Solvers Caucus, who is working with Senators on the bill, told CNN State of the Union that everything should be on the table in terms of funding and has pointed out that lawmakers have found a long list of ideas.
Divergent expectations from Sanders, the White House and the Problem Solvers Caucus threaten the future of the bill at a time when Democrats are also considering the option of passing a much larger infrastructure package without Republicans backing. through the budget reconciliation process.
Crucial quote
Should everything be on the table? Of course, that will be because it’s part of the compromise, Fitzpatrick said. No one will be totally in love with the plan, but everyone will be okay with it.
Key context
The group of 21 senators presented their proposed $ 1.3 trillion infrastructure plan after talks broke off between President Joe Biden and a GOP Senate group led by Senator Shelley Moore Capito without a deal earlier this month . This new package revolves around a more literal definition of infrastructure than that originally proposed by the White House and offers a broad framework for investing in roads, bridges and other projects. However, negotiators are struggling to follow the call line to both parties, drawing growing opposition from the Liberals who say the proposal does not go far enough. They need the entire Democratic caucus on board and at least 10 Republicans to pass the legislation. In addition to Sanders, two DemocratsSens. Ed Markey (Mass.) And Jeff Merkley (Oregon) suggested they would oppose the proposal for its lack of focus on climate change.
What to watch out for
Democrats also began to lay the groundwork for a larger infrastructure investment plan that would involve expanding Medicare eligibility and providing legal status to some immigrants. This proposal is expected to reach $ 6 trillion.
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