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Defiant Pelosi sets HALLOWEEN deadline for House to finally vote on Biden's multitrillion dollar budget package after Friday's humiliating climbdown sparked by progressives holding out

  House Speaker   Nancy Pelosi  set a deadline of October 31 for lawmakers to pass President   Joe Biden 's $1.2 trillion infrastructure...

 House Speaker Nancy Pelosi set a deadline of October 31 for lawmakers to pass President Joe Biden's $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill and the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package after delaying the vote on the legislation for a third time.

In a letter to fellow Democrats on Saturday, Pelosi (D-Calif.) said 'more time was needed to reach our goal of passing both bills' after party leaders scrambled for the past two days to try and secure votes.

Pelosi aims to pass the legislation by the end of the month when the 30-day reauthorization of federal highway programs — among other extensions — expires.

'There is an October 31st Surface Transportation Authorization deadline, after last night's passage of a critical 30-day extension,' she wrote.

'We must pass BIF [bipartisan infrastructure framework] well before then – the sooner the better, to get the jobs out there.' 

The Speaker also outlined other programs that would be impacted by a failure to pass the legislation while also applauding the bill, which has faced scrutiny from Republicans and moderate Democrats.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi set a deadline of October 31 for lawmakers to pass President Joe Biden 's $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill and the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package after delaying the vote on the legislation for a third time

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi set a deadline of October 31 for lawmakers to pass President Joe Biden 's $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill and the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package after delaying the vote on the legislation for a third time

'We all take great pride in the Rescue Package, which is a giant step in meeting the needs of the American people, putting hundreds of millions of vaccines of arms, money in people's pockets, workers back in jobs and children safely back in school,' Pelosi said.

'There is an expiration date to some of the initiatives, so we need to extend them – for example, the Child Tax Credit, which took millions of children out of poverty, but which needs to be extended.'  

Pelosi canceled the vote on the Senate-passed infrastructure bill on Thursday as several far-left caucus members vowed to tank the $1 trillion infrastructure plan, which centrists support, if the moderate faction does not also back the broader $3.5 trillion social spending bill that is packed with their priorities.

She added: 'We will and must pass both bills soon. We have the responsibility and the opportunity to do so. People are waiting and want results.'

Biden, responding to the situation, told reporters Saturday before leaving the White House for a weekend stay at his home in Wilmington, Delaware: 'Everybody's frustrated, it's part of being in government, being frustrated.' 

Biden, responding to the situation, told reporters Saturday before leaving the White House for a weekend stay at his home in Wilmington, Delaware: 'Everybody's frustrated, it's part of being in government, being frustrated'

Biden, responding to the situation, told reporters Saturday before leaving the White House for a weekend stay at his home in Wilmington, Delaware: 'Everybody's frustrated, it's part of being in government, being frustrated'

Biden admits 'everyone's frustrated' over infrastructure bill
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In a desperate bid to end the impasse and appease moderate holdouts Senators Joe Manchin (right) and Kyrsten Sinema (left) Biden went to Capitol Hill on Friday for a private meeting with House Democrats that was partly a morale booster for the disjointed caucus of lawmakers

In a desperate bid to end the impasse and appease moderate holdouts Senators Joe Manchin (right) and Kyrsten Sinema (left) Biden went to Capitol Hill on Friday for a private meeting with House Democrats that was partly a morale booster for the disjointed caucus of lawmakers


He pledged to 'work like hell' to get the two pillars of his domestic agenda passed into law, but refrained from laying out a new deadline. 

'I support both of them. And I think we can get them both done,' he told Fox News.

In a desperate bid to end the impasse and appease moderate holdouts Senators Joe Manchin, of West Virginia, and Kyrsten Sinema, of Arizona, Biden went to Capitol Hill on Friday for a private meeting with House Democrats that was partly a morale booster for the disjointed caucus of lawmakers. 

The president offered to slash more than a trillion dollars from his mammoth spending bill, in an attempt to save his political agenda from warring factions in his own party. 

He pleaded with House progressives to agree to cut some $1.5 trillion from the broader bill, according to lawmakers in the room.

The White House released a statement Saturday arguing that Biden left Friday's meeting 'with the firm belief that there was a shared commitment from across the Democratic Caucus to deliver for the American people.'

'The President and his team will continue close engagement with Members of both the House and the Senate through the weekend,' the statement read.

'And he looks forward to not only welcoming Members to the White House next week, but also traveling the country to make the case for his bold and ambitious agenda.' 

However, Republicans and Democrats alike are questioning the president's confidence.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell blasted the Democrats for poor leadership Saturday, accusing them of 'letting the radical left run Capitol Hill.'  

'This unified Democratic government must stop putting radical wish-lists ahead of basic governance or they will thrust our nation into even more foreseeable and avoidable crises on their watch,' he said. 

He also argued that Democrats are unable pass the legislation despite the party controlling the White House and Congress.

'Democrats control Washington but cannot govern,' McConnell said.  

'They can't even pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill that President Biden negotiated and Speaker Pelosi promised she would pass this week.' 

Additionally, he accused the party of putting the American people in one of the worst positions the country has seen in the last three decades.

'Socialists like Sen. Bernie Sanders rallied against the Administration's infrastructure bill and defeated it. With Americans already suffering the worst inflation in 30 years, Democrats have taken our roads, bridges, ports, airports, and waterways hostage to ram through an historically reckless taxing and spending spree that would hurt families and help China,' he said.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has accused Democratic leadership of ' letting the radical left run Capitol Hill'

 Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has accused Democratic leadership of ' letting the radical left run Capitol Hill'

McConnell released a statement on Saturday in response to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi delaying the infrastructure bill vote for the third time

McConnell released a statement on Saturday in response to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi delaying the infrastructure bill vote for the third time

McConnell also slammed the party for its internal conflict, indirectly calling out the leadership's inability to appease the moderate Democratic budget holdouts — Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema.

'While Democrats waste weeks arguing with each other, they've ignored basic governing duties,' he wrote.

'On Thursday, Senate Democrats' mismanagement brought us close to a government shutdown. And for two and a half months, this all-Democrat government has known they will need to use a fast-track party-line process to raise the debt ceiling, but have done nothing.'

McConnell's claim has been echoed by some Democrats who have been presented during the failed negotiations. 

'Manchin and Sinema — should we just call them co-president at this point,' grumbled one Democrat leaving the meeting, according to The Hill. 'Is that what it's come down to?' 

Senator Joe Manchin dashed hopes for a swift compromise on a framework when he refused to budge late Thursday on his demands for a smaller overall package, about $1.5 trillion
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) slammed Democratic leaders on Saturday over their 'inexcusable' failure to hold a vote on the $1.2trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan

Senators Joe Manchin, left, and Kyrsten Sinema, right, both moderate Democrats, are the key holdouts preventing the party from passing the ambitious spending bills

The two senators have repeatedly balked at the reconciliation package, arguing that it costs too much money.

Manchin dashed hopes for a swift compromise on a framework when he refused to budge late Thursday on his demands for a smaller overall package, about $1.5 trillion.

The senator stands against the 96-member strong Congressional Progressive Caucus, who have banded together in a voting bloc against the infrastructure plan until Senate moderates agree to support the broader social agenda.  

'Every Member of Congress has a solemn duty to vote for what they believe is best for the country and the American people, not their party. Respectfully, as I have said for months, I can't support $3.5 trillion more in spending when we have already spent $5.4 trillion since last March. At some point, all of us, regardless of party must ask the simple question – how much is enough?' he said in a statement.

'What I have made clear to the President and Democratic leaders is that spending trillions more on new and expanded government programs, when we can't even pay for the essential social programs, like Social Security and Medicare, is the definition of fiscal insanity. Suggesting that spending trillions more will not have an impact on inflation ignores the everyday reality that America's families continue pay an unavoidable inflation tax. Proposing a historic expansion of social programs while ignoring the fact we are not in a recession and that millions of jobs remain open will only feed a dysfunction that could weaken our economic recovery. This is the shared reality we all now face, and it is this reality that must shape the future decisions that we, as elected leaders, must make.' 

Sen. Manchin issued a statement on Twitter, expressing why he opposes the infrastructure bill

Sen. Manchin issued a statement on Twitter, expressing why he opposes the infrastructure bill

Meanwhile, Sinema has argued that Congress should focus on passing the infrastructure bill separately from the reconciliation package, instead of linking the two together.  

Taking to Twitter Saturday, Sinema slammed her party's leaders over their 'inexcusable' failure to hold a vote on the infrastructure plan. 

'The failure of the U.S. House to hold a vote on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is inexcusable, and deeply disappointing for communities across our country,' Sinema wrote.

'Denying Americans millions of good-paying jobs, safer roads, cleaner water, more reliable electricity, and better broadband only hurts everyday families.' 

Although Democrats did not have enough votes to pass the infrastructure bill, Sinema argues that cancelling it was 'an ineffective stunt to gain leverage over a separate proposal.'

'My vote belongs to Arizona, and I do not trade my vote for political favors — I vote based only on what is best for my state and the country,' she said. 

'I have never, and would never, agree to any bargain that would hold one piece of legislation hostage to another.'

In a statement released on Twitter, Sinema argued that delaying the vote was 'deeply disappointing' and a betrayal of the trust of the American people

In a statement released on Twitter, Sinema argued that delaying the vote was 'deeply disappointing' and a betrayal of the trust of the American people

Sinema also argued that she worked to deliver the infrastructure bill while also engaging in 'good faith negotiations' on the reconciliation package.  

'Good-faith negotiations, however, require trust. Over the course of this year, Democratic leaders have made conflicting promises that could not all be kept — and have, at times, pretended that differences of opinion within our party did not exist, even when those disagreements were repeatedly made clear directly and publicly,' she stated.

'Canceling the infrastructure vote further erodes that trust. More importantly, it betrays the trust the American people have placed in their elected leaders and denies our country crucial investments to expand economic opportunities.' 

Meanwhile, other Democrats have singled out Pelosi and other members of leadership for delaying the vote. 

Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer, a leader of the moderates, said in a statement Friday it was 'deeply regrettable' that Pelosi broke her commitment to hold a vote on the infrastructure bill, claiming 'a small far-left faction' of the House blocked the vote.

Gottheimer, a New Jersey Democrat, has clashed with those in the 'progressive' wing of the party over the two huge pieces of legislation Democrats are hoping to pass. He urged Democrats to pass the bipartisan infrastructure deal right away and then proceed to focus on the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill separately.  

Sinema's comments come after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (front, right) released a statement saying she wanted the legislation passed by the end of October and as President Joe Biden (back, left) expressed frustrations over the failed negotiations

Sinema's comments come after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (front, right) released a statement saying she wanted the legislation passed by the end of October and as President Joe Biden (back, left) expressed frustrations over the failed negotiations

'It's deeply regrettable that Speaker Pelosi breached her firm, public commitment to Members of Congress and the American people to hold a vote and to pass the once-in-a-century bipartisan infrastructure bill on or before September 27,' he said.

'Specifically, the Speaker said, 'I am committing to pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill by September 27. I do so with a commitment to rally House Democratic support for its passage.' That agreement was sealed with the vote of every Democrat in the House on August 24, which put the commitment in writing.'

Gottheimer continued, slamming 'this far left faction' and accusing them of 'putting civility and bipartisan governing at risk.'

'Along with a group of Members, I've been working around-the-clock to pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill, legislation we helped craft back in April with my Senate colleagues,' Gottheimer said in a statement Friday. 'But a small far-left faction of the House of Representatives undermined that agreement and blocked a critical vote on the President's historic bipartisan infrastructure bill.'  

Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer, a leader of the moderates, said in a statement it was 'deeply regrettable' that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi broke her commitment to hold a vote on the infrastructure bill claiming 'a small far left faction' of the House blocked the vote

Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer, a leader of the moderates, said in a statement it was 'deeply regrettable' that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi broke her commitment to hold a vote on the infrastructure bill claiming 'a small far left faction' of the House blocked the vote

Gottheimer put out a statement slamming 'this far left faction' accusing them of 'putting civility and bipartisan governing at risk.'

Gottheimer put out a statement slamming 'this far left faction' accusing them of 'putting civility and bipartisan governing at risk.'

Unlike Sinema and Gottheimer, Congressional Progressive Caucus chair Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat from Washington State, is pushing for the two bills to be linked.

She condemned moderates for standing in the way of the bigger spending package.    

'Let us be clear: our caucus supports the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. We see the harms that crumbling roads, structurally deficient bridges, and lead-poisoned water have on our communities. Updating our infrastructure is a necessary component to delivering a strong, stable economy that creates opportunity for all,' she penned in an op-ed to CNN on Monday.

'But equally necessary are the child care, elder care, health care, housing, education and climate actions currently included in the Build Back Better Act. Without both the infrastructure bill and the budget bill, our economic recovery will be slow, unstable, and weak. Millions of Americans will be left out or fall further behind.'

Jayapal also blamed 'conservative Democrats' saying they were in the way of the president's agenda. 

Unlike Sinema and Gottheimer, Congressional Progressive Caucus chair Pramila Jayapal (pictured), a Democrat from Washington State, is pushing for the two to be linked

Unlike Sinema and Gottheimer, Congressional Progressive Caucus chair Pramila Jayapal (pictured), a Democrat from Washington State, is pushing for the two to be linked


'A few conservative Democrats have suggested we should 'pause' this urgently needed legislation by moving forward without the Build Back Better Act and providing less help to families. But we will not leave behind child care, paid leave, health care, housing, education, climate action, and a long-overdue road map to citizenship.'

'We won't let massive corporations, billionaires, and a few conservative Democrats stand in the way of delivering transformational progress for millions of working people.' 

She continued: 'We must deliver for American families. Our Progressive Caucus members will put our votes on the line to send the entirety of the Build Back Better agenda to President Biden's desk.' 

Similarly, Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Cori Bush blasted Manchin for now demanding that Democrats trim the budget package to $1.5 trillion after backing an earlier version of the massive plan.

'We need to be serious and right now when we are seeing from the conservative side and the small cadre of people is a fundamentally unserious pattern of negotiation,' Ocasio-Cortez told ABC News

Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Cori Bush (pictured) blasted Manchin for now demanding that Democrats trim the budget package to $1.5 trillion after backing an earlier version of the massive plan
Ocasio-Cortez (pictured) said: 'We need to be serious and right now when we are seeing from the conservative side and the small cadre of people is a fundamentally unserious pattern of negotiation'

Reps. Cori Bush (left) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (right) blasted Manchin for now demanding that Democrats trim the budget package to $1.5 trillion after backing an earlier version of the massive plan 

Biden, left, came down to the Capitol to meet with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and fellow Democrats on October 1. The party is split over the proposed bills

Biden, left, came down to the Capitol to meet with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and fellow Democrats on October 1. The party is split over the proposed bills


Biden spent less than an hour with House Democrats during the rare presidential visit to Capitol Hill.

As he left he appeared to concede tensions between progressives and centrists within his own party needed more than a quick bit of sweet talking if he was to save his domestic agenda. 

He also attributed the failed negotiations to the usual atmosphere at the capital, but assured Americans that the bills were popular enough to pass. 

'I'm a realist. I know how legislation gets done. There's no reason why both bills can't pass. It doesn't matter if it is six minutes, six days or six weeks. We are going to get it done,' he said.

Pelosi said, 'While great progress has been made in the negotiations... more time is needed to complete the task. 

After Pelosi again called off a planned vote on infrastructure in the face of progressive opposition, moderate House Democrats slammed the move as 'a sad day for our nation' and asked for the bill to be brought to the floor immediately. 

According to lawmakers in the room, Biden had also discussed a $1.9 trillion to $2 trillion-plus price tag for the larger package that would expand the country's social safety net.

The White House and its allies in Congress are prepared for protracted negotiations. 

Biden added that he would soon travel around the country to promote the legislation and he acknowledged concerns that the talk in Washington had become too focused on the trillions in new spending and taxes in the bill.

He pledged to do more to educate the public about the plan's new and expanded programs, which he contended have the support of the vast majority of the electorate.

'I'm going to try to sell what I think the American people will buy,' Biden said Saturday, adding, 'I believe that when the American people are aware of what´s in it we´ll get it done.'

The president said he believed the legislation will be signed into law with 'plenty of time to change the tax code for people next year.'

It's a pivotal time for Biden and the party. His approval ratings have dropped and Democrats are restless, eager to deliver on his signature campaign promise of rebuilding the country. 

His ideas go beyond roads-and-bridges infrastructure to delivering dental, vision and hearing care for seniors, free prekindergarten, major efforts to tackle climate change and other investments that would touch countless American lives.

Without a broader deal, prospects for a vote on the companion public works bill stalled out as progressives refused to commit until senators reached agreement. 

Pelosi told colleagues that 'more time is needed' as they shape the broader package. 

The House passed a 30-day measure to keep transportation programs running during the stalemate, essentially setting a new deadline for talks, October 31. 

The Senate was set to follow with a vote Saturday, to halt the furloughs of more than 3,500 federal transportation workers, a byproduct of the political impasse.

With Republicans solidly opposed to Biden's sweeping vision, the president and Democrats are reaching for a giant legislative accomplishment on their own - all to be paid for by rewriting federal balance sheets with tax increases on corporations and the wealthy, those earning more than $400,000 a year. 

The larger of Biden's proposals is a years-in-the-making collection of Democratic priorities with an ultimate price tag he says is zero, because the tax revenue would cover the spending costs. 

The White House and Democrats also are focusing on raising the nation's borrowing limit before the United States risks defaulting on its obligations - a deadline the Treasury Department estimates will be reached no later than October 18. 

The House has already acted, but Republicans senators have indicated they will not provide votes for bipartisan passage and want Democrats to go it alone.

'I hope that the Republicans won't be so irresponsible as to refuse to raise the debt limit and to filibuster the debt limit,' Biden said Saturday. 

'That would be totally unconscionable. Never been done before. And so I hope that won't happen.''  

Meanwhile, Simena – who called out her own party leadership on Saturday – remains under scrutiny after she skipped town to see a foot doctor with plans to attend a big dollar fundraiser amid tense budget talks in Washington.  

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., leaves a private meeting with Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., White House domestic policy adviser Susan Rice, Director of the National Economic Council Brian Deese, and other White House officials on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. She flew home to Phoenix, where she had a medical appointment Friday, her office said. The NY Times reported she was to attend a high-dollar fundraiser retreat Saturday

Sinema, a runner, broke her foot in June. She remains under scrutiny after she skipped town last week to see a foot doctor with plans to attend a big dollar fundraiser amid tense budget talks in Washington

Sinema, a runner, broke her foot in June. She remains under scrutiny after she skipped town last week to see a foot doctor with plans to attend a big dollar fundraiser amid tense budget talks in Washington

She was seen leaving the Capitol late Thursday night after being holed up in talks all day. 

Her office said she remained in touch with the White House even while tending to her hurt foot.

'Senator Sinema is in Phoenix where she has a medical appointment today, and where she continues remote negotiations with the White House,' her office said in a statement Friday.

'Last night, Kyrsten and our team offered the White House continued discussions and negotiations for this morning. We're awaiting word from the White House for their availability,' the statement added.

The Senate was not in session Friday, and most of the action was in the House where Biden attempted to resolve intra-party disputes on the infrastructure bill and reconciliation package. 

Amid the turmoil, the New York Times reported that Sinema had a big dollar 'retreat' for her PAC on Saturday, to be held at a high-end resort and spa.  

Earlier this week, the paper reported she attended a 'Sinema for Arizona' event in DC with lobbyists and supporters paying up to $5,100 to support her. 

Sinema broke her foot in June while running the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon in Washington state. She is an avid athlete and runner, competing in marathons and ironman triathlons. In the weeks after she was spotted in the Capitol hobbling on crutches and wearing a boot. 

Lawmakers who get health coverage for their Senate offices can choose from medical plans that have in-network doctors in Washington, D.C. 

Some progressives are boiling over at the first-term senator, including Rep. Mark Pocan claimed she has brought nothing 'but a designer purse' to leadership negotiations.

'Half of Manchinema has now shown us something. Waiting for the other half to show us something other than a designer purse,' said Pocan, in reference to Sens. Manchin and Sinema

'Half of Manchinema has now shown us something. Waiting for the other half to show us something other than a designer purse,' said Pocan, in reference to Sens. Manchin and Sinema

Progressive lawmakers have been boiling over at Sinema for failing to state precise objections to the reconciliation bill or a top number she can live with. 'Claims that the Senator has not detailed her views to President Biden and Senator Schumer are false,' she finally responded Thursday

Progressive lawmakers have been boiling over at Sinema for failing to state precise objections to the reconciliation bill or a top number she can live with. 'Claims that the Senator has not detailed her views to President Biden and Senator Schumer are false,' she finally responded Thursday

Pocan, a Wisconsin member of the substantial House progressive faction, tore into Sinema as the Arizona Democrat once again held a key role in Capitol negotiations, after shuttling repeatedly to the White House this week.

'Half of Manchinema has now shown us something. Waiting for the other half to show us something other than a designer purse,' Pocan told Forbes, referencing how the Simena and Manchina are deterring the bill's passage.

His comment came after fellow progressive Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) ripped Sinema this week.

'The president has already won me over. I'm on his side, as by the way is 99 per cent of the Democratic party,' the lawmaker fumed on CNN. 'We're willing to negotiate,' he said. 'Literally one senator – one Senator, Kyrsten Sinema – is holding up the will of the entire Democratic Party,' he said. 

Said Khanna: 'The President keeps begging her: tell us what you want. Put a proposal forward,' Khsanna said. He noted that progressive lawmakers had come down from an earlier push for $6 trillion in the 'human infrastructure' bill.  

'How do you compromise ... when Sinema is not saying anything?' he asked. 'This is not progressives versus moderates. This is the entire Democratic Party and Joe Biden versus Kyrsten Sinema,' he added. 'I have no idea what she wants. I don't htink her colleagues know what she wants. I don't think the president knows what she wants. We don't know what she wants. it's really odd. 

Sinema defended herself against the criticism in a statement tweeted out by her office Thurdsay.

'Senator Sinema said publicly more than two months ago, before Senate passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, that she would not support a bill costing $3.5 trillion,' her office said. 'In August, she shared detailed concerns and priorities, including dollar figures, directly with Senate Majority Leader [Chuck] Schumer and the White House. Claims that the Senator has not detailed her views to President Biden and Senator Schumer are false.' 

Similarly, protesters and political activists have demanded to know why the Manchin refuses to support the $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill.

In a video capturing the exchange, Manchin, aboard his $700,000 yacht named Almost Heaven, assured the West Virginian kayakers that Democrats were working to pass a reasonable bill. 

Sen. Joe Manchin, of West Virginia, spoke to protesters from aboard his $700,000 yacht

Sen. Joe Manchin, of West Virginia, spoke to protesters from aboard his $700,000 yacht

Protesters kayaked to the ship to ask why their senator would not support his own party's $3.5 trillion infrustructe bill

Protesters kayaked to the ship to ask why their senator would not support his own party's $3.5 trillion infrustructe bill 

One protester urged Manchin to vote for the bill while Democrats controlled Congress

One protester urged Manchin to vote for the bill while Democrats controlled Congress

'We're working hard, we really are,' Manchin said, looking down at the protesters who paddled up to speak with him 'We want to get a good bill that's a balanced bill, that's well done. And I know it won't be enough for some, it will be too much for others.' 

When one of the protesters asked him he raise taxes for the wealthy, Manchin said that it would be a priority.

'That's the number one thing. We should be fixing the tax codes so everyone pays their fare share. We're taxing the rich, I agree. We're going to make the rich and the famous pay.'

Another protester pleaded with Manchin to pass the spending bill, saying that the Republican Party would likely take control of Congress in 2022.

'This is our one chance right now to pass the legislation. They're not going to pass something like this for the people,' the protester said.

Manchin rebuked the statement and said the bill was a work in progress.

He remains committed to slashing the infrastructure bill by more than half as the moderate Democrat continues the feud with his progressive counterparts.

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