Democrats Likely to Postpone Vote on Build Back Better Act into Next Year
Democrats Face Setback as Vote on Build Back Better Act Likely to be Delayed
In a disappointing turn of events for the Democratic Party, it appears that a vote on the Build Back Better Act, their ambitious social spending and climate package, will be pushed back into the next year. Unable to reach an agreement on key provisions, Democrats are facing internal divisions that are threatening to derail one of their top legislative priorities.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had hoped to pass the legislation into law by Christmas Day, but with the bill still not finalized and key holdouts like Sen. Joe Manchin remaining unconvinced, the timeline has been thrown into uncertainty. Sen. Ron Wyden has all but confirmed that a vote on the Build Back Better Act will likely be postponed until January at the earliest.
One of the major sticking points in the negotiations is the extension of the monthly child tax credit payments, which have been credited with cutting child poverty by nearly 30% since they began in July. Manchin has reportedly expressed reservations about the funding level for the expanded child tax credit program, adding another layer of complexity to the discussions.
Despite the challenges, Democrats are still hopeful that they can pass the bill in the coming weeks, possibly in early January. However, the looming specter of rising inflation and the potential for further delays are causing concern among party members. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi remains optimistic, refusing to concede a delay and expressing hope that the legislation will ultimately pass.
The road ahead for the Build Back Better Act remains uncertain, with several obstacles still to overcome. Democrats are under pressure to find common ground and move forward with their legislative agenda, but the internal divisions within the party are proving to be a significant hurdle. As the new year approaches, all eyes will be on Capitol Hill to see if Democrats can overcome their differences and deliver on their promises to the American people.
