Biden Draws Ire of Republicans, Pushback From Democrats for $6 Trillion Spending Spree
President Joe Biden’s $6 trillion in early-term spending initiatives his $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan that passed with zero Republican votes, along with his proposed $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan and $1.8 trillion American Families Plan have drawn sharply critical reactions from Republicans, and more muted criticism from some Democrats, for their lofty price tags.
Biden unveiled his newest legislative proposal, the sweeping $1.8 trillion package for families and education, during his first speech to a joint session of Congress on April 28, calling it a “once-in-a-generation” investment that would bring lasting benefits to the economy, expand the middle class, and reduce child poverty. The plan includes $1 trillion in spending on education and child care and $800 billion in tax credits aimed at middle- and low-income families, funded mainly by tax hikes on wealthier Americans.
Sanders on Wednesday pushed back against speculation that Democratic leaders will drop language increasing the federal minimum hourly wage from $7.25 to $15.
“It’s going to be in reconciliation if I have anything to say about it. The only way we’re going to get it passed we’re not going to get the 60 votes that we need. The only way we’re going to do it with 50 votes is through reconciliation,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sanders is showing no sign of backing down to centrist Sen. Joe Manchin
Sanders acknowledged Wednesday that raising the minimum wage to $15 won’t get any Republican support, which means he’s betting on Democrats unifying over a rescue package that includes a substantial hourly wage increase.
A $15 federal minimum wage would be devastating for our hardest-hit small businesses at a time when they can least afford it, Ernst said.
ADVERTISEMENT
She added that while all senators support higher wages . a $15 federal minimum wage would be counterproductive to this goal.
The amendment, like most during the Senate s hours-long vote-a-rama on the budget resolution, is nonbinding. But a roll call vote would have forced Democrats to go on the record on increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour while they are still trying to figure out a policy that unifies their narrow majority.
Sanders, who has led the push to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour, quickly stood up to speak on the Senate floor and, in a twist, it wasn t to oppose Ernst s amendment, but to support it.