Biden heads to Europe with a bit less shine and his economic agenda on the line
At the same time, the trip has become a potent intersection of Biden’s domestic and foreign agendas as he pleads with Democrats to agree on a sweeping spending package before Air Force One takes off for the Group of 20 summit in Rome on Thursday.
The President went to Capitol Hill on Thursday morning to unveil a $1.75 trillion framework agreement, though progressives in particular are still seeking more specifics before signing off. The visit delayed his departure for Rome as he performs a high-wire act: he’ll either be going to meet his fellow global leaders after securing a major legislative win or jetting off across the Atlantic with nothing.
“When the President gets off that plane, we want him to have a vote of confidence from this Congress,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told fellow Democrats in the meeting, stressing she wanted a vote on a bipartisan infrastructure package by the end of the day — telling her members “don’t embarrass” Biden by voting down the package as he heads overseas.
He tried to project confidence as he walked into a House Democratic Caucus meeting in the Capitol.
“It’s a good day” Biden said, adding, “Everyone’s on board.”
During the meeting, Biden told lawmakers: “I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say that the House and Senate majorities and my presidency will be determined by what happens in the next week.” He also emphasized a key theme from his presidency — that the American must show the world that democracies can outperform autocracies and meet modern challenges.
“The rest of the world wonders whether we can function,” Biden added.
By mid-morning, however, it was evident not everyone was on board quite yet. Liberal members of Congress said they wanted to see more details after key items, like paid family leave, were stripped out. And they remained firm in their demand the social spending bill pass simultaneously with the infrastructure deal.
The framework encompasses a wide array of Democratic priorities, including expanding public preschool and child care. It also includes $555 billion in measures to combat climate change.
Biden is still widely regarded overseas as a salve after four years of former President Donald Trump, whose antagonistic presence at international summits often rattled alliances. Yet at the G20 and the subsequent climate talks in Scotland, Biden will find himself under fresh scrutiny.
Back to earth
The initial glow of Biden’s victory has faded somewhat…
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