As Congress returns from its recess and negotiations intensify between the White House and Democratic factions in Congress over the size and scope of the reconciliation bill, here is the latest on the infrastructure bill.
First, it is the “stated” plan of the House and Senate Democratic leadership to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the reconciliation bill by the October 31st deadline. The reality, however, is that there is zero chance the reconciliation bill will be done in 12 days. Realistically, what the transportation industry is hoping for is that Democratic leaders get a framework agreement with a topline number in place and use that to unlock the vote on the IIJA.
There have been numerous White House meetings with the President involving House and Senate Democratic moderates and progressives to try and reach agreement on the reconciliation bill. Democrats on the Hill are anxious and frustrated that they cannot close the deal, especially with Senator Manchin (D-WV) and Senator Sinema (D-AZ) who are holding out for a smaller reconciliation bill.