Infrastructure talks hit snag as Republicans reject Biden's reduced $1.7 trillion counteroffer
WASHINGTON — Efforts to strike a bipartisan deal on an infrastructure package are in jeopardy after Senate Republicans rejected a $1.7 trillion counteroffer Friday from President Joe Biden's administration, exposing wide gaps that remained in negotiations.
The setback, following weeks of talks that accelerated in recent days, raises major doubts over Biden's goal to pass a sweeping infrastructure bill with support from both Democrats and Republicans.
In his counteroffer cutting an original $2.3 trillion package, Biden proposed minor concessions to remove funding for research and development, supply chains, manufacturing and small businesses. Yet it would keep tax increases that Republicans have said they won't support under any circumstances.
Other changes in Biden's American Jobs Plan counterproposal include reducing $100 billion for broadband expansion to $65 billion, matching the amount outlined in a $586 billion plan from Senate Republicans, and reducing funds for roads and bridges.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/infrastructure-talks-hit-snag-as-republicans-reject-bidens-reduced-dollar17-trillion-counteroffer/ar-AAKfnKA
Biden’s negotiations with Republicans are making some Democrats anxious
"In our view, this is the art of seeking common ground," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at Friday's press briefing. "This proposal exhibits a willingness to come down in size, giving on some areas that are important to the president ... while also staying firm in areas that are most vital to building our infrastructure and industries of the future."
Republicans swiftly shot down the counterproposal.
A spokeswoman for Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., who is leading Republican talks with the Biden administration, said the proposal is still "above the range of what can pass Congress with bipartisan support." Kelley Moore, Capito's communications director, said the two sides are "further apart" today than they were following an in-person meeting with Biden last week.
"There continue to be vast differences between the White House and Senate Republicans when it comes to the definition of infrastructure, the magnitude of proposed spending, and how to pay for it," Moore said. "Based on today’s meeting, the groups seem further apart after two meetings with White House staff than they were after one meeting with President Biden."
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/infrastructure-talks-hit-snag-as-republicans-reject-bidens-reduced-dollar17-trillion-counteroffer/ar-AAKfnKA
I'm sorry but fuck the Republicans.
No research and development? That's an area where China is kicking our ass. What do the Repukes want to do? Pray to Jaysus for technology advancement?
$35 billion less for broadband. We lag most of the developed world in this area.
How much did the Repukes spend on tax cuts for those who didn't need it? They always are concerned about the debt when a Democrat is in the Whitehouse but spend like drunken sailors when their guy is president.
Joe Biden needs to talk to Senator Manchin and say, "I tried to negotiate with these guys but you see what's happening." 
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