House Democrats break stalemate, voting to advance $3.5 trillion budget bill and infrastructure plan

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House Democrats have approved a $3.5 trillion budget blueprint, which advanced two pieces of President Joe Biden’s agenda. The House voted 220-212 on Tuesday to instruct committees to write the bill, despite a disagreement between a small group of moderate Democrats and progressives in the House that lasted into the early morning of Tuesday.

Lawmakers returned during their August recess to Capitol Hill as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tied the $3.5 trillion budget spending plan and a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill together, while committing to take up a vote on the infrastructure bill by Sept. 27. The rule was passed along party lines with all Democrats voting in favor and all Republicans voting against it.

Biden praised House Democrats and called Pelosi “masterful” in her leadership. Biden said: “We are a step closer to truly investing in the American people, positioning our economy for long-term growth and building an America that outcompetes the world,” adding, “There were differences, strong points of view. They’re always welcome. What is important is that we came together to advance our agenda.”

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