President BidenJoe BidenBiden says Beau’s assessment of first 100 days would be ‘Be who you are’ Biden: McCarthy’s support of Cheney ouster is ‘above my pay grade’ Conservative group sues over prioritization of women, minorities for restaurant aid MORE said Thursday that both he and congressional Republicans are making “a genuine effort” to compromise on infrastructure.
Biden huddled in the Oval Office with Sen. Shelley Moore CapitoShelley Wellons Moore CapitoEPA water nominee commits to ‘enduring solutions’ in confirmation hearing Biden meets for first time with ‘Big Four’ congressional leaders The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – Cheney poised to be ousted; Biden to host big meeting MORE (R-W.Va.) and a group of other GOP senators who have unveiled an infrastructure proposal about a third the size of his own $2.3 trillion plan. Biden is trying to feel out whether there is space for a bipartisan deal, a possibility of which both Republicans and Democrats remain skeptical.
“We’ll see if we can work out some, on a compromise on infrastructure. And I know they’re sincere about it, so am I,” he told reporters who were briefly allowed into the meeting Thursday afternoon. Biden said that he and the senators would discuss what exactly constitutes infrastructure and how large of an investment should be made in rebuilding it.
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“It’s a genuine effort, I think we get there,” he said.
The president told reporters he is “prepared to compromise” when asked if he was prepared to make an offer below the plan he has laid out, reiterating his openness to change on his proposal.
Capito and the other Republicans have introduced a $568 billion infrastructure plan that focuses on repairing traditional infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Biden’s includes funding for those projects as well as electric vehicles and other technologies to address climate change, research and development and home care.
Senators said during a brief exchange with reporters following the meeting that they were encouraged.
“We had a very productive, more than courteous give and take,” Capito said. “We did talk specifics, and the president has asked us to come back and rework an offer so that he can react to that and re-offer to us.”
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Despite Biden’s and the senators’ stated optimism, Republicans and Democrats remain far apart on the elements of an infrastructure bill and how to pay for it. And members of both parties are skeptical of the opposing side’s willingness to negotiate in good faith.
Following a meeting with Biden at the White House on Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellBiden says Beau’s assessment of first 100 days would be ‘Be who you are’ McConnell says he’s ‘great admirer’ of Liz Cheney but mum on her removal McConnell: ‘Good chance’ of deal with Biden on infrastructure MORE (R-Ky.) sounded optimistic about the possibility of a deal but also said Republicans told Biden they would not support undoing parts of the 2017 tax cut bill signed into law by former President TrumpDonald TrumpWarren says Republican party ‘eating itself and it is discovering that the meal is poisonous’ More than 75 Asian, LGBTQ groups oppose anti-Asian crime bill McConnell says he’s ‘great admirer’ of Liz Cheney but mum on her removal MORE.
Biden has proposed raising the corporate tax rate to 28 percent from 21 percent, a level set by the 2017 tax law, in order to pay for the infrastructure plan over 15 years.
Among those in attendance for Thursday’s meeting were GOP Sens. Roy BluntRoy Dean BluntDemocratic Kansas City, Mo., mayor eyes Senate run Democrats, GOP agree on one thing: They’re skeptical of a deal Senate panel deadlocks in vote on sweeping elections bill MORE (Mo.), Mike CrapoMichael (Mike) Dean CrapoDemocrats, GOP agree on one thing: They’re skeptical of a deal Top Republican seeks clarity on estimate of trillion in unpaid taxes Biden to meet with GOP senators amid infrastructure push MORE (Idaho), Pat ToomeyPatrick (Pat) Joseph ToomeySasse rebuked by Nebraska Republican Party over impeachment vote Philly GOP commissioner on censures: ‘I would suggest they censure Republican elected officials who are lying’ Toomey censured by several Pennsylvania county GOP committees over impeachment vote MORE (Pa.), Roger WickerRoger Frederick WickerHillicon Valley: Global cybersecurity leaders say they feel unprepared for attack | Senate Commerce Committee advances Biden’s FTC nominee Lina Khan | Senate panel approves bill that would invest billions in tech Senate Commerce Committee advances Biden’s FTC nominee Lina Khan Democrats, GOP agree on one thing: They’re skeptical of a deal MORE (Miss.) and John BarrassoJohn Anthony BarrassoThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – Cheney poised to be ousted; Biden to host big meeting Democrats, GOP agree on one thing: They’re skeptical of a deal Biden to meet with GOP senators amid infrastructure push MORE (Wyo.). Vice President Harris, Commerce Secretary Gina RaimondoGina RaimondoPentagon removing Chinese tech giant from blacklist after court loss Biden administration approves major offshore wind project The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – Infrastructure, Cheney ouster on deck as Congress returns MORE and Transportation Secretary Pete ButtigiegPete ButtigiegGas shortages spread to more states Biden officials warn against hoarding gasoline amid shortages Republicans welcome the chance to work with Democrats on a bipartisan infrastructure bill MORE also represented the administration at the meeting, which concluded after about an hour and a half.
Without a bipartisan deal, Biden would need to try to advance parts or all of his $4 trillion legislative agenda using budget reconciliation with only Democratic support, which would require getting every Senate Democrat on board with a bill.
The White House says that it wants to see “progress” on legislation by Memorial Day but hasn’t offered firm details on what that means. Press secretary Jen PsakiJen PsakiBlinken talks with Netanyahu amid escalating violence White House: ‘Disturbing’ to see Cheney booted for telling the truth The Hill’s 12:30 Report – Presented by Facebook – Republican reactions to Cheney’s removal MORE indicated Thursday that officials would evaluate where things stand at the end of the month but wouldn’t necessarily make a decision on whether to move forward with reconciliation then.
The White House says it would like to see a bill passed by summer.
—Updated at 3:27 p.m.
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