Infrastructure Bill Stalls After Democratic Leaders Fail to Wrangle Support

 By Dartunorro Clark and Rebecca Shabad

WASHINGTON -- House Democratic leaders appeared to have failed to wrangle enough support Friday to pass the $550 billion infrastructure package after intraparty fighting delayed a planned vote -- further stalling one of President Joe Biden's top legislative priorities.

House Democrats huddled behind closed doors at the Capitol in caucus meeting since Thursday morning to haggle over the $550 billion infrastructure deal and the $3.5 trillion social spending plan but emerged without a resolution.

Both measures have the support of Democrats and remain likely to pass in some form. But the size of the social safety net bill remains a sticking point among Democrats, with moderate pushing for a pared-down version while progressive insist that the bill's price tag will boost an economy upended by the pandemic.

Late Friday, Democratic House leadership conceded they would not hold an infrastructure vote before heading home for the weekend. Instead, lawmakers would vote on a short-term extension of existing road projects.

 Biden attempted to soothe tensions among the moderate and progressive wings of the party and make a case for his legislative agenda by attending the caucus meeting Friday afternoon. but he sided with progressives, and lawmakers left without a deal.

Biden, however, told reporters when exiting the meeting his agenda will pass, including his desire to have both measures approved together.

"It doesn't matter when," he said, "Doesn't matter whether it's in six minutes, six days, or six weeks. We're going to get it done."

Biden's decision to go to the Capitol signaled his increasing pressure to get members of his party on the same page. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had been confident that the infrastructure measure could pass earlier this week, but failed to do so by her self-imposed September 27th deadline.

The White House tried to downplay expectations about Biden's meeting with lawmakers, suggesting that passage of the infrastructure bill shouldn't be expected afterward. A senior administration official told NBC News that the president will say there is "more work to do" and will "make his case for his agenda."

White House press secretary Jen Psaki declined to predict when a vote on the infrastructure bill would be held, saying it is up to Pelosi. But, she said, the president is adamant about getting legislation passed.

"He is going over there to make the case for his legislative agenda," Pelosi said. "He wants to speak directly to members, answer their questions and make the case for why we should all work together to give the American people more breathing room."

The House, however, will vote on a short-term extension of a transportation bill to keep highway funds flowing for existing projects that expired on Thursday.

Despite no immediate vote on the infrastructure package, applause could be heard by those standing outside the hallway. As lawmakers exited, several said the president's message was party unity and tried to make a persuasive case to link the infrastructure bill and the social spending bill.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, told reporters after the meeting that "the president has not wavered" from his desire to pass both bills in tandem.

"He's ready to work with the Senate, he's ready to work with a range of members," she said. "We are still working and pushing."