CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Senate Republicans and the White House are nowhere closer to a compromise on infrastructure, with the former saying Friday both sides “seem further apart” on a deal.
The statement from the Republican group came after a meeting between the senators and the White House, in which White House officials offered a reduced version of its original proposal worth $1.7 trillion.
President Joe Biden originally pitched a $2.3 trillion proposal, and Republicans responded with a $568 billion framework. President Joe Biden hosted the Republican coalition last week at the White House to discuss the matter.
The senators — led by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. — and White House officials spoke Friday by video call. The Biden administration offered to move investments in research and development efforts and small business development to other legislative proposals. The altered American Jobs Plan also reduces spending, including changing the original $100 billion offer for high-speed broadband to $65 billion, matching the Republican’s legislative framework.
“In our view, this is the art of seeking common ground,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said as the meeting was underway.
“This proposal exhibits a willingness to come down in size, giving in some areas that are important to the president … while also staying firm in areas that are most vital to rebuilding our infrastructure and industries of the future.”
Following the meeting, the Republicans came out against the altered American Jobs Plan.
“During today’s call, the White House came back with a counteroffer that is well above the range of what can pass Congress with bipartisan support,” the senators said.
The Republicans noted significant differences remain regarding spending, sources of revenue and what the proposal should fund. The senators oppose increasing the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%, while Biden is not interested in changing user fees and other consumer payments. Republicans additionally have pushed a plan focused on traditional infrastructure projects, and Biden supports funding “human infrastructure” such as education and child care in a sweeping infrastructure bill.
“Based on today’s meeting, the groups seem further apart after two meetings with White House staff than they were after one meeting with President Biden,” the senators added. “Senate Republicans will further review the details in today’s counteroffer and continue to engage in conversations with the administration.”
Capito, the ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, is leading the GOP group. Sens. John Barrasso of Wyoming, Roy Blunt of Missouri, Mike Crapo of Idaho, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, and Roger Wicker of Mississippi are also taking part in the negotiations.
Participants of the Friday meeting from the White House included Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, White House Counselor Steve Ricchetti, Director of Legislative Affairs Louisa Terrell and National Economic Council Director Brian Deese.
Capito hosted a meeting Tuesday about the proposals. A Capito spokesperson said at the time the senator was encouraged by those talks and the White House would follow up with the group later this week.
Capito told reporters Thursday both sides are interested in reaching a compromise. Biden previously set a Memorial Day deadline for making progress on a deal.
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Tom Carper, D-Del., and Capito are also working on a separate surface transportation measure with the goal of the proposal being ready before the end of the month.