Senate Democrats approve budget with $3.5 trillion spending package

[Valin]

Washington Examiner

Kaelan Deese, Breaking News Reporter

August 11, 2021

Senate Democrats approved a budget resolution providing for a $3.5 trillion spending package early Wednesday morning without the need for any Republican votes.

In a 50-49 vote, the measure passed after a series of amendment votes, known as "vote-a-rama," that began on Tuesday afternoon and extended to about 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. The passage of the resolution marks the beginning of deliberations between Democrats in both chambers to negotiate and draft the final bill for President Joe Biden's approval.

"The Democratic budget will be the most significant legislation for American families since the era of the New Deal and the Great Society. It is big, bold change. The kind of change America thirsts for," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

A summary of the resolution shows four major categories of investment: families, climate, healthcare, and infrastructure and jobs.

(Snip)

 

[Valin]

The Post Millennial

Senate Democrats ram through massive $3.5 TRILLION spending package

The plan, containing provisions for President Joe Biden's progressive pet projects, passed with a 50-49 vote along party lines.

Libby Emmons

August 11, 2021

The US Senate rammed through a massive spending package overnight to the tune of $3.5 trillion. The plan, containing provisions for President Joe Biden's progressive pet projects, passed with a 50-49 vote along party lines.

Tuesday night into Wednesday saw a "vote-a-rama" on the Senate floor where Senators could propose non-binding amendments to the giant spending bill. Almost 50 amendments were voted on during this period, according to Reuters.

(Snip)

The reconciliation bill includes specific amounts to be doled out under the proviso of senate committees. $135 billion for the Agriculture Committee; $332 billion for the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; $83 billion for Commerce, Science and Technology; $198 billion for the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; $67 billion for the Committee on Environment and Public Works; $726 billion for the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; $1 billion to the Committee on Finance; $37 billion to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; $107 billion to the Committee on the Judiciary; $20.5 billion to the Committee on Indian Affairs; $25 billion to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship; and $18 billion to the Committee on Veterans Affairs.

(Snip)

_______________________________________________

Bend Over And Smile!

[Valin]

Senate advances reconciliation “blueprint” but Manchin balks at price tag

Paul Mirengoff

August 11, 2021

By a count of 50-49, the Senate has voted to proceed with formulating a $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package. Joe Manchin provided the vote that enabled this.

Almost immediately thereafter, however, Manchin said he is unlikely to support such a package once it is presented. Manchin explained that he has “serious concerns about the grave consequences facing West Virginians and every American family if Congress decides to spend another $3.5 trillion.” He added:

I firmly believe that continuing to spend at irresponsible levels puts at risk our nation’s ability to respond to the unforeseen crises our country could face. I urge my colleagues to seriously consider this reality as this budget process unfolds in the coming weeks and months.

As far as I can tell, only one of Manchin’s colleagues has any inclination to “consider this reality.” Kyrsten Sinema has said she will not support a final $3.5 trillion package. She and Manchin both framed their vote in favor of advancing a blueprint as a way to begin the process, rather than as an embrace of the intended outcome.

I’m struggling to make sense of this. If you aren’t going to support a $3.5 trillion package, why approve a blueprint for developing one? Why not insist on a blueprint for an amount you will end up supporting?

(Snip)