Pelosi had initially pledged that House moderates would vote on infrastructure legislation by Mopnday. However, she now claims that this timeline will likely fall to later during the week because of Democratic divisions. This allows for negotiation so that both bills can be approved. Although she is determined to move both bills this week, it is not certain.
Last month, the Senate approved the $1 Trillion infrastructure plan.
Pelosi (D-Calif.) stated, "Let's just say that the bill will be passed this week." The date cannot be chosen. You must go when you have the votes within a reasonable time. We will."
Pelosi did however make it clear that Biden's $3.5 trillion proposal for climate and social spending must be reduced in order to achieve the Democratic unanimity necessary to pass the sprawling package.
Sens. Sens. Manchin previously suggested spending between $1 trillion and $1.5 trillion. This is an amount progressives consider unacceptable for a bill originally estimated at $6 trillion.
Pelosi was asked Sunday if she agreed that the final figure on the reconciliation bill would be "somewhat lower" than $3.5 trillion.
She said, "We'll be watching how the number goes down and what we require." "Again, the Senate, the House, and those who aren't in total agreement with the president, right. Let's see our values -- let’s not talk about dollars and numbers. Let's discuss values.
"I believe even those who wish to see a smaller number of people support the president's vision, and that this is truly transformative.
Sunday's comments by her reflect the enormity of the week ahead. It could determine the Biden presidency, and set the political contours for next year's midterm elections.
Over the weekend, Pelosi informed fellow Democrats that they must pass the social-environment package along with an infrastructure bill and another measure to prevent a government shutdown. Pelosi's letter to colleagues emphasized the urgency.
She wrote, "The next few day will be a time intense."
Democrats are short of votes in the House, and they have no votes in the 50-50 Senate to spare if Biden's huge "Build Back Better” agenda is not supported by Republicans. The larger measure is opposed by Republicans in lockstep.
Biden, Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) have been leading a behind-the scenes hunt for compromises that would resolve internal divisions. They hope to get approval of the mammoth bill very soon.
On Saturday, the House Budget Committee approved a 10-year, $3.5 trillion bill to strengthen social safety nets and climate programs. However, one Democrat voted "no", highlighting the difficulties party leaders face. The bill, which will be reviewed before the House votes, would be paid with taxes on corporations as well as the wealthy.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), who led a group composed of moderate House members in pushing for a quick vote on Monday on the infrastructure bill. Gottheimer said Sunday that he would not be bothered by any slight delay. He believed both pieces could be solved this week.
"If the vote -- how these things work, and if you begin debating about it, and it rolls over Tuesday,... Gottheimer stated that he believes we are all reasonable. "There is too much at stake here for our country."
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), who heads the Congressional Progressive Caucus said that members of her group will not support the infrastructure plan until there's an "ironclad agreement" in the House or Senate on the reconciliation bill. She did not rule out further cuts to the $3.5 billion proposal in order to reach an agreement.
She said, "If someone wants to take out something, we need to know what that is."
When Pelosi was asked about voting on the climate and social spending bill this week, she didn't answer. The bill is expected to be passed by Democrats with a simple majority. It doesn't need GOP support. Pelosi suggested that a House-Senate agreement might be reached this week depending on the rulings of the Senate parliamentarian regarding what provisions could be included.
Pelosi stated, "We are ready to support our side." "We only have to see how fast the parliamentarian can work."
The bill covers the core of Biden's domestic goals. It includes billions to rebuild infrastructure, tackle climate change, and expand or introduce a variety of services. These include free prekindergarten, dental, vision, and hearing aid care for seniors, as well as free prekindergarten.
There are wide disagreements about how to pay for the legislation and which initiatives should be reshaped. These include expanded Medicare, tax breaks and child care.
Republicans claim the proposal is unnecessary and unaffordable in light of federal debts exceeding $28 trillion. It also reflects Democrats' desire to inject government into people's daily lives. They claimed that the tax increases will result in fewer jobs and credit for electric vehicle purchases, which are often made by people who have comfortable incomes.
Pelosi spoke to ABC's "This Week," Gottheimer appeared on CNN's"State of the Union", and Jayapal was featured on CBS's"Face the Nation."