A lot needs to happen before Biden’s plan – filled with measures long favored by Democrats – becomes law. And while Democrats will soon control the White House and both chambers of Congress, this does not mean that lawmakers will follow Biden’s suggestions to the letter.
How soon could the money start to flow? Perhaps from mid to late February, said Kevin Kosar, a scholar residing at the American Enterprise Institute and co-editor of the book “Congress Overpressed”.
A president can propose ideas, but Congress passes laws
Biden’s relief proposal now shifts to Congress, where it can change substantially as Democratic leaders turn it into a bill. They must decide whether they want to use a special legislative process called reconciliation, which would require only a simple majority vote to pass the Senate – eliminating the need for Republican support – but would limit the provisions that could be included. In addition, reconciliation can also be used sparingly every year.
Whatever the leaders decide, the effort is expected to pass more easily through the House – which approved a $ 3 trillion aid package last May that contained measures similar to Biden’s plan – although Democrats now hold a smaller majority there.
Spokeswoman Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, will have to maintain the support of almost all members of her party, including some progressive lawmakers who have said they want to send even more help to needy Americans.
Narrow Senate margin will mean compromises
The Senate is where there are a multitude of obstacles. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York will soon take over as leader of the majority of Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, but the chamber will be split 50-50, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris available to resolve any draws.
In his speech on Thursday night, Biden said he would like to work with members of both parties to enact his American Rescue Plan, indicating that he wants to follow the traditional path, which would require the support of at least 10 Republican senators.
Biden will play an important role in the Capitol negotiations.
“A new president and a new tone for the White House can put significant pressure when the pressure is needed,” Hudak said. “For this to happen in an accelerated time, it will really require significant influence from the president, especially over important senators.”
One such senator is Joe Manchin, a moderate Democrat from West Virginia. He recently expressed doubts about providing $ 2,000 in stimulus payments, preferring a more targeted approach.
“I’m on board helping people who need help, people who can’t really get it, people who don’t have a job,” Manchin told CNN journalist Jake Tapper on Sunday. “Sending checks to people who basically already have a check and are not going to be able to spend it or are not going to spend it – they are usually putting it in their savings accounts now – we are not like that.”
Ensuring support can be a laborious process.
“All the work of aligning people – it will probably take a long time,” said Kosar.