Joe Biden, looking for a road to the bridge

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 43 million Americans are hitting the roads this weekend to enjoy a long vacation.

According to the White House, many roads and bridges used by automobiles are not in good condition. Breaking. Therefore, according to the Biden administration, there is a need to invest heavily in infrastructure.

In late May, the Democratic president unveiled an ambitious investment plan that promises to go beyond the traditional definition of infrastructure. His administration, in particular, spends on research and development, better internet access and training of workers.

The fight against climate change also occupies a central place in this strategy. Joe Biden has promised that his plan will help transform the American economy.

Bill: Overdraft: $ 2000 billion. Too much in the eyes of Republicans, and even some centrist Democrats.

Over the past few weeks, ten senators, Democrats and Republicans, have begun intense negotiations to reach a compromise in the politically divided Congress.

On Thursday, June 24, this elected official left the White House in the company of President Biden, who did not hide his satisfaction with a smile on his lips. We have a deal, He announced.

But a week later, the fate of the deal was uncertain.

It is difficult to know when and when the text will reach the Oval Office to receive the President’s signature.

The bridge between the parties?

Because, shortly after he announced himself in the organization of senators from both parties, Joe Biden made his intentions clear.

For the president, the deal of $ 579 billion in new spending, which is much more modest than its initial project, should be accompanied by a second proposal. This other legislative text should include discussions, especially social actions.

By aiding the reconciliation process, Democrats can approve this second project without the need for Republican support. This strategy has been mentioned by party leaders in Congress for some time.

This is the only way it comes to me, otherwise I will not sign, it is a tandem, After elected Republican officials expressed their dissatisfaction, withdrew a few hours later, President Biden wrote.

My comments left the impression that I was ready to veto the plan I had just approved, which was definitely not my intention., Said Joe Bean.

This episode alone illustrates the overall regime challenge facing Joe Biden.

By opening the door to compromise, the president, who has promised to be a unified head of state, wants to show that he is capable of reaching out to his opponents.

But talks are likely to drop promises dear to the Democratic base that will make Joe Biden the reformist president.

In Washington, protesters called on the Biden administration to invest more in climate change.

Photo: Getty Images / Kevin Dietsch

Moreover, as soon as the bilateral agreement was announced, progressive spokeswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did not hesitate to describe a project that, in her opinion, was not enough for the working class, women and minorities.

Will Joe Biden and his allies succeed in building a bridge between progressive House Democrats and both Senate Republicans and Centrist Democrats?

One thing is for sure, these efforts are decisive for the remaining presidency of the 46th President.

In particular, as a general rule, Americans, regardless of their political line, accept the need to invest in the nation’s aging infrastructure. According to an Ipsos poll conducted in the autumn of 2020, 65% of the population is of the opinion that the country is not doing enough to meet its infrastructure needs.

Politically speaking, this question is not dangerous even for elected officials. Regardless of their party, all of them will be able to find a bridge, road or airport in their district or state that will benefit from the investment and they can be great to their voters.

So, if this file does not even mobilize enough elected officials, legitimate questions will arise about the administration and the ability of Congress to come to an agreement on irritating issues such as the right to vote, carrying weapons or police reforms.

If he wants to build more bridges, Joe Biden must first make sure the infrastructure base is strong.