House Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, Dems Delay Build Back Better

Late Friday evening, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan infrastructure framework (B.I.F.), which the Senate passed in August. Earlier that day, House Democrats announced a plan to vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill and delay voting on a larger social and climate spending package known as the "Build Back Better Act." However, progressive Democrats reaffirmed their commitment to only vote on the two bills together, casting doubt House Democrats’ plans. Democrats rushed Thursday and Friday to reach a compromise on the larger bill before many House members leave D.C. next week, and President Joe Biden made several personal calls to get wary Democrats on board. However, a small group of Democrats said they wanted to wait for an official report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office before committing to support the bill. Some have estimated that such a report could be more than two weeks away.

Coverage was widespread on Friday, with headlines across the spectrum updating as the negotiations unfolded. Coverage across the spectrum used somewhat sensational language like "played chicken" and "progressives revolt." Update 11/5/21 11:30pm ET: Updated to include the passage of the infrastructure bill.