The Senate Democratic Caucus sees salvaging the $1.75 trillion Build Back Better package as key to boosting the party’s chances in this fall's midterms, especially as President Biden’s popularity sags in the polls.
Why it matters: The White House isn't the only one still courting Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) or his all-important vote.
What we’re hearing: Democratic leaders are largely in the same place with the BBB talks as they were before breaking for their holiday recess.
- “People have had time to cool off; Manchin’s had time to cool off,” a senior Senate Democratic aide told Axios. “We’ll have to see now what becomes possible.”
What to watch: All eyes are on Monday night’s Senate leadership meeting, which Manchin will attend, and Tuesday’s weekly caucus lunch.
- The lunch will be the first time all Senate Democrats are together in one room since Manchin made his opposition to the bill public last month.
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will use the occasion as the marker for whether to hold a vote to proceed on BBB or hold off to try to negotiate more, Senate leadership aides tell Axios.
Schumer still plans to hold a vote on the mammoth package this month.
- If he pushes for this week, that would be “a bad sign,” one aide said.
- A snap-vote would indicate Democratic leaders expect the package to fail but want to give members an opportunity to vote for it.
- That also would force Manchin to go on record voting against it.
Schumer's also planning to put a voting rights...