Biden Focuses On Climate, Families In Trimmed $2T Plan

"WASHINGTON — Scaling down his “build back better” plans, President Joe Biden on Tuesday described a more limited vision to Democratic lawmakers of a $2 trillion government-overhaul package with at least $500 billion to tackle climate change and money for middle-class priorities — child tax credits, paid family leave, health care and free pre-kindergarten.

And he expects negotiations to wrap up as soon as this week.

The president met privately into the evening with nearly 20 centrist and progressive lawmakers in separate groups as Democrats appeared ready to abandon what had been a loftier $3.5 trillion package for a smaller, more workable proposal that can unite the party and win passage in the closely divided Congress."

Lisa Mascaro, Alan Fram, and Matthew Daly report for the Associated Press October 20, 2021.

SEE ALSO:

"White House Doubles Down On Executive Action As Democrats Weigh Trimming Hill Climate Plan" (Washington Post)

"Biden Tells Democrats That Package Of Up To $1.9 Trillion Should Be New Target Of Talks" (Washington Post)

"Democrats, Scaling Back Budget Bill, Press for Compromise by Week’s End" (New York Times)

"Democrats Scramble For Climate Alternatives" (The Hill)

"Manchin, Tester Voice Opposition To Carbon Tax" (The Hill)