Big infrastructure bill in peril as GOP threatens filibuster

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Big infrastructure bill in peril as GOP threatens filibuster

By LISA MASCARO and KEVIN FREKING
July 20, 2021

WASHINGTON (AP) — The bipartisan infrastructure deal senators brokered with President Joe Biden is hanging precariously ahead of a crucial Wednesday test vote as senators struggle over how to pay for nearly $1 trillion in public works spending.

Tensions were rising Tuesday as Republicans prepared to block the vote, mounting a filibuster over what they see as a rushed and misguided process. With Biden preparing to hit the road to rally support for his big infrastructure ideas — including some $3.5 trillion in a follow up bill — restless Democrats say it’s time to at least start debate on this first phase of his proposals.

“It is not a fish or cut bait moment,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., describing the procedural vote as just a first step to ”get the ball rolling,” though Republicans say he is now downplaying the significance.

Six months after Biden took office, his signature “Build Back Better” campaign promise is at a key moment that will test the presidency and his hopes for a new era of bipartisan cooperation in Washington.

-snip-

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-government-and-politics-economy-dad4cc5994fa1aaa1005232e77b3efd8

[aocommunalpunch]

1. LMAO

Bend over backward for conservative Dems and their need for the filibuster. Why do they never have to see their version of the perfect being the enemy of the good? People just get concerned. Anything more and your shit gets hid.

[msongs]

2. manchin approves filibusters. he must be as happy as clam in tx dip nt

[AZSkiffyGeek]

8. Why not attack Republicans who are filibustering?

Oh yeah, that's right. This is DU. It's easier to attack a Democrat who SUPPORTS the bill, rather than take aim at the real problem.

[msongs]

11. no difference between supporting/allowing filibusters and participating. lip service to support

a bill is just hot air if the person concerned actively votes in such a way to allow the filibuster to take place.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

13. When has he voted to filibuster?

You are so invested in trashing him - I’m sure you can cite his votes.
Why don’t you attack Biden? He doesn’t support abolishing the filibuster either….

[PortTack]

3. Thune let it slip weeks ago...this has always been their plan

[comradebillyboy]

4. The "bipartisan infrastructure deal" was never going to happen.

It's a transparent delaying tactic. Schumer is doing the right thing in forcing a vote. Now the Dems including Manchin and Sinema can push through the reconciliation package without the Pukes.

Still the Dems needed to go through with the bipartisan charade just for the optics.

[DarthDem]

5. Exactly

Not sure why this is so hard to understand for some, with no disrespect meant. I appreciate your clear-eyed take on it.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

10. Because it's easier to attack Dems here than actually figure out what's going on

Even if it's transparently obvious what is being done, and, more importantly, WHY it's being done.

[DarthDem]

15. Well said

+1

[Celerity]

18. One potential issue is that line items from the so-called bipartisan bill might be ruled out of

order by the Senate Parliamentarian, in terms of slapping it all into the reconciliation bill.

[comradebillyboy]

19. Yes that is quite possible.

[Bettie]

6. OK...BIG question

Did anyone here think that this would not go down this way?

I sure didn't think we'd get one Republican on board and that they would filibuster it.

That is how it works. They have been delaying, that's all. There was never going to be a single vote for this bill from their side.

[FreepFryer]

7. This is how the GOP delaying action is conducted. Lucy, Charlie Brown and the football (Nt)

[AZSkiffyGeek]

9. YEAH! STUPID DEMOCRATS!!!!

How could Biden, Schumer, Pelosi, Sanders not see that the Republicans were pulling their legs!
I mean, it's not like they haven't already said the bipartisan would be folded into the big bill for reconciliation!
No! The Dems are stupid and can't lead!
OH NOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

/s

[FreepFryer]

12. I'm not sure what that rant was about but I'm not criticizing our leadership, we expected this.

[DarthDem]

14. Uh . . .

Did you notice the sarcasm tag?

[FreepFryer]

17. Yes and the sarcasm flopped hard for the reason I indicated - kthxbai

[DarthDem]

21. LOL

I doubt that.

[radius777]

16. This has been the R playbook since 2009:

delay, water down then ultimately not vote for the bill, then blame Dems for not being bi-partisan... basically create chaos and hope to benefit from it politically.

[spanone]

20. There is no bipartisanship in D.C. anymore. It's a pipedream.

Republicans are hell bent on destroying our democracy.