Big test for Joe Biden as Democrats face Congress ‘week from hell’
- President Joe Biden’s US$3.5 trillion government-reshaping plan hitting a tumultuous time
- US days away from a default, possible government shutdown that could rattle markets
The House and Senate are moving toward votes on legislation dealing with infrastructure and social programmes worth almost US$5 trillion while also averting a government shutdown on Friday and a looming debt default.
Failure on any front would be catastrophic for a president looking to cement his legacy, while Democrats would see their chances diminished for hanging onto the House of Representatives and Senate in next year’s midterm elections.
“You know me: I’m born optimistic. I think things are going to go well. I think we’re going to get it done,” an upbeat Biden told reporters at the White House.
At stake is the fate of Biden’s US$3.5 trillion Build Back Better social welfare package that only Democrats support, and a US$1.2 trillion infrastructure bill to improve transport networks and broadband coverage that has already passed the Senate with cross-party support.
