Democrats begin to narrow their differences on Biden’s agenda bill
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Democrats in a flurry of private talks are beginning to narrow their differences over the size of President Biden’s sweeping safety-net bill, as liberals signal sizable concessions on the size of what could be the most far-reaching social legislation in years.
In a virtual meeting with about a dozen liberal Democrats on Monday, Biden suggested a range of $1.9 trillion to $2.2 trillion, according to people with knowledge of the private discussion — significantly lower than his initial $3.5 trillion plan.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), leader of the influential Congressional Progressive Caucus, pushed back, according to three of the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. She countered with a minimum spending amount of $2.5 trillion, saying a range from that figure to $2.9 trillion could cover key programs.
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