Qiao Manqin is optimistic because infrastructure deals are getting closer

Senator of West Virginia Joe Manchin It expressed optimism before the procedural vote on the bipartisan infrastructure plan.

Senator’s office confirmed Weekly newspaper On Tuesday, Manchin said: “We are getting close. We are getting close.”

Manchin’s remarks were first National Broadcasting Corporation Sahil Kapur of the News.

Manchin, a centrist Democrat from an extremely conservative state, also expressed optimism last week. Senate The Energy and Natural Resources Commission voted to pass his bipartisan energy infrastructure bill, which will serve as the legislative text of the bipartisan infrastructure framework.

He said on Friday that the inclusion of key aspects of the bill will benefit his voters in West Virginia.

He said in the statement: “This bill is another key step in finalizing our bipartisan infrastructure plan. It is also an important reminder that when we put aside partisanship and work together, we can find reasonable solutions Solution.” “I look forward to working with the government and my colleagues to make this bipartisan infrastructure proposal cross the finish line and ultimately address West Virginia’s infrastructure needs.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck SchumerIt was announced last week that he planned to vote on the plan on Wednesday to force 22 bipartisan negotiators to finalize the bill.

“In the past few months, both parties Democratic Party with Republicans Efforts have been made to combine the two major infrastructure bills to meet the challenges of the 21st century,” Schumer said in the Senate on Monday evening.

He said that this vote is not a final vote on the bill, but a procedural action that will allow senators to start “debates and amendments.”

At the same time, Republicans in the Senate criticized Schumer, accusing him of hurriedly passing the bill.

Ohio Republican Senator Rob Portman said: “We are still working to resolve this issue. Getting things done is more important than meeting arbitrary deadlines, and we are still negotiating.” CNN Host Dana Bash Union State on Sunday. “When legislation is ready, we should propose legislation.”

Manchin and Utah State Senator MitromnyThe Republicans previously announced in June that A bipartisan group of senators reached a “framework” agreement on the infrastructure plan.

“We reached an agreement on our existing plans,” Manchin told reporters at the time.

The Democratic members of the Senate Budget Committee announced in mid-July Agreed to spend $3.5 trillion President Biden’s infrastructure plan.

The plan is expected to include expanding medical insurance, increasing child tax credits, and efforts to combat climate change.

“We know we still have a long way to go. In order to make the lives of ordinary Americans better, we will complete this work,” Schumer told reporters.

Manchin had earlier expressed concerns about the plan, Told reporters “We should start paying for things.”