House Democrats Eager to Pass Some Form of Build Back Better

A despairing forecast for the midterm elections has panicky House Democrats focused on passing some sort of social spending and climate legislation, The Hill reported.

The House approved President Joe Biden's $2.2 trillion Build Back Better in November, but the package stalled in the Senate after moderate Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said he could not support it amid huge national debt and rising inflation.

Now, as Biden's approval rating continues to fall, Democrats facing tough reelections want a legislative victory to tout, The Hill reported.

Progressives eager to pass social benefits and tackle climate change worry that this year will be their best chance, as current polls show Republicans in good position to reclaim control of Congress.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., addressed her caucus last week and told members that the social spending bill remained a priority in 2022.  

"It is essential that we build back better," Pelosi told reporters, The Hill said. "We have the makings of it in the legislation, and I think there's an agreement to be made."