Washington Whiplash

By Laura Walling, Senior Director of Government Relations, Goodwill Industries International

There has been a lot of activity on the Hill and at the White House this week and the triangular negotiations on the reconciliation bill continue between progressive Democrats, moderate Democrats, and leadership (including President Biden). The White House is urging a vote to take place the week of the October 25th and wants the bipartisan infrastructure bill that already passed the Senate to be voted on in the House by the time Biden leaves for an overseas trip on October 30th.

As we’ve shared in previous updates, House progressives don’t want to vote on that bill until the reconciliation bill containing key components of Biden’s Build Back Better agenda are agreed upon. Negotiations are expected to continue through the weekend, and House leadership has said that it aims to consider the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act before the month ends.

The overall cost of the reconciliation package continues to shrink, with the new range rumored to be between $1.75 trillion and $1.9 trillion. Many reports note the following components and President Biden confirmed some of this speculation during a televised town hall:

• Climate control: This portion of the bill is still being negotiated. A letter signed by more than 60 House Democrats was sent, imploring Biden to keep strong climate provisions in the bill.
• Paid family leave: Negotiations have resulted in the timeframe for paid family leave being reduced from 12 weeks to only 4 weeks. Means testing (in other words, income limitations) are still being discussed.
• Home-based health care, childcare, and universal preschool: Investments in these areas are being discussed. Initially, $400 billion was proposed for home care workers. It has been reported that the final amount will likely be less than $250 billion, despite strong efforts by the direct care advocates.
• Child Tax Credit: The credit will not be permanent and would likely only last for one to two years. Senator Joseph Manchin (D-WV) would like to see a work requirement be added; however, the President said no. There may be means testing added.
• Community college: While some reports note that free community college has been dropped from the bill, tuition supplements may be included instead.
• Medicare expansion: A pilot program for expanded dental coverage is being discussed.
• Public housing: An investment of $200 billion.
• Workforce development: Goodwill Industries International worked with our partners in the workforce development space to get more than 60 members of Congress to send letters from the House and Senate urging leadership to invest in job training.

Several other areas remain outstanding, including immigration, specific support for older workers and people with disabilities, and investments in racial equity programs. We certainly don’t want to add to the rumor mill but will continue to keep our advocates informed of pertinent updates as negotiations continue.