Democrats Struggle to Pass Biden’s Agenda

Democratic leaders in Congress must thread the needle between the ideologic ends of their party as they attempt to pass two massive spending bills, one geared towards upgrading and adding to the nation’s physical infrastructure and one aiming to increase the social safety net and expand other social programs. The cost of the first is estimated to be around $1.2 trillion; the second around $3.5 trillion. President Joe Biden has made both plans centerpieces for his agenda.

The $3.5 trillion plan can be passed under Senate reconciliation rules, in which a simple majority is needed to pass the plan. This would allow it to pass without any Republican votes. However, it faces an uncertain future in the House if moderate House Democrats oppose it. Their opposition, in turn, could lead progressives to oppose the infrastructure bill. Not passing either bill would hand President Biden a major political defeat in his first year in office.

Progressive Democrats have vowed to vote against the infrastructure plan, which enjoys some bipartisan support, if the social spending plan is not passed to their liking. Meanwhile some moderates in the Senate have balked at the large price tag of the $3.5 trillion plan, which Democrat leaders claim is fully paid for by tax increases primarily on wealthy households and from increased IRS audits. Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kirsten Sinema (D-AZ) have both said that they will not support $3.5 trillion in new spending.

Adding to these challenges is the need to raise the federal debt ceiling to prevent default on the government’s financial obligations. The House and Senate did reach an agreement to avoid a government shutdown, which Biden signed into law on Thursday.

 

Biden’s Approval Drops Amid Several Challenges

President Biden’s approval rating has dropped in recent weeks as the administration attempts to recover from the chaotic evacuation as American troops left Afghanistan. Recent political developments have given little breathing room.

While Democrats struggle to pass two large spending bills, Biden has faced criticism over his handling of migrants crossing the US-Mexican border. The most visible incident in recent days was the encampment of primarily Haitian migrants under the international bridge in Del Rio, Texas. The camp has since been cleared out, with the migrants either returned to Haiti or allowed to enter the US.

The president’s vaccination mandates have also occupied much of the administration’s attention, with businesses expressing frustration with the lack of opportunity for input regarding the new rules. Biden announced earlier this month that all federal employees and contractors will have to receive COVID-19 vaccinations or face termination, as would all employees of companies employing more than 100 people.

 

La Palma Volcano Eruption Destroys Buildings, Forces Evacuations in Canary Islands

Residents of the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands have been dealing with the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja Volcano, its first eruption since 1971.

While no deaths have been reported as a result of the eruption, more than 5000 residents have been evacuated as 600 buildings have so far been destroyed since the eruption started on September 19. The lava flow reached the shore on September 28.

Spain’s government, which controls the Canary Islands, has provided aid and assistance to the island.

 

Never Forget: 20 Years Later

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The tragic deaths of nearly 3,000 on that day, along with the thousands more who have died from diseases causes by inhaling the dust from the collapsed towers, have remained an indelible part of America's collective memory two decades later.

While we can never forget the sadness of that day, the response reminded all of the resilience and resolve of the American people. We will never forget the heroism and bravery shown on that day along with the service and sacrifice shown by American and allied troops in the years following.

Never Forget: 9/11/2001 - 9/11/2021