Struggle between progressives and moderates on Biden’s agenda
To ensure that the bigger package is not left behind, House progressives, led by Jayapal, have made it clear that they will only support the infrastructure bill if the net bill security evolves in tandem.
The decision to push back the timetable for the infrastructure vote came at a critical time for Biden’s agenda. It came just hours after the president came to Capitol Hill to present House Democrats with a framework for his social safety net plan. This legislation has not yet been finalized or publicly approved by all Senate Democrats whose votes will be critical to its passage.
“The reality is that while discussions around the Infrastructure Bill have lasted for months in the Senate, there has been no serious discussion of the details of the larger Build Back Better Act in recent weeks, thanks to the Progressive Caucus. holding the line and putting both parts of the agenda on the table, “Jayapal said in a statement Thursday.
“Now Congress must finish the job and put the two bills to a vote,” she said.
Jayapal’s Rise as a Progressive Leader
The Democratic lawmaker represents Washington’s Seventh Congressional District, which includes much of Seattle as well as its surrounding areas.
His caucus has also gained greater visibility in recent years, as rising stars of the Democratic Party have been elected to Congress and joined its ranks, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York.
“We have to be able to say that this is what the progressive caucus is, this is what we are fighting for,” she said. “It’s not a litmus test, it’s not a purity test, but we want people to generally agree with the voting caucus.”
The caucus has remained largely unified as moderates and progressives vie for Biden’s agenda, a dynamic that has bolstered the bloc’s influence and Jayapal’s power amid high-stakes negotiations.
CNN’s Annie Grayer and Alex Rogers contributed.