Joe Biden showed his frustration with warring Democrats delaying the passage of his Congressional agenda on Wednesday, urging the moderate and progressive wings of the party to come together to pass his trillion dollar package of social programs.
'What are we doing? This is the United States of America, damn it,' Biden said, his voice raising during a speech in Scranton designed to promote both his infrastructure deal and his social spending program.
'These bills are not about left versus right or moderate versus progressive,' he said, acknowledging the interparty war he is dealing with as he tries to pass his agenda. 'Or anything that pits one American versus another.'
He also used his signature whisper - what he does when he wants to make a point - to note the legislation, which is paid for increases in taxes on the wealthy and corporations, will cost zero.
'It does not increase the debt,' he added,
Biden returned to his hometown to promote his plan that would cause a massive increase in federal spendiing. It was his first visit to Scranton as president.
'It's good to be home,' he told the cheering supporters outside the Electric City Trolley Museum, where he made his remarks. Biden, a huge supporter of Amtrak and fan of trains, toured the museum before making his sales pitch.
Biden was last in Scranton on Election Day 2020. He lived there until he was 10.
As he prepared to depart for his home town, Biden said he was hopeful of reaching a deal, after conceding to Democrats that some of his most ambitious proposals will have to go.
'I think we'll get a deal,' he told reporters before boarding Air Force One for the short hop to Pennsylvania.
He leaves behind a party that remains deadlocked in Washington.
Joe Biden showed his frustration with warring Democrats delaying the passage of his Congressional agenda, urging the moderate and progressive wings of the party to come together
President Joe Biden checks out a trolley car with the number 46 - he is the 46th president - during a tour of the Electric City Trolley Museum with its executive director Wayne Hiller
Bidne toured the Electric City Trolley Museum before he made his remarks
Biden gave Democrats an end of the week deadline to come to consensus on a topline number for his ambitious package of programs, including funds for education, healthcare and to combat climate change.
But to break the stalemate between the moderate and progressive wings of the Democratic Party, the $3.5 trillion plan will be cut nearly in half.
Getting the ax is his proposal for two years of free community college. Other options being considered are cutting back the child tax credit and paid family leave; and removing a clean energy program after Senator Joe Manchin objected to it.
'There will be something for higher education, but it probably won't be the free community college,' said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
A day earlier, Jayapal other progressives met with Biden at the White House as the president tried to bring moderates and liberals to agreement.
They conceded that cuts were inevitable if the measure is to be passed.
'It's not the robust vision the president wants or that we wanted,' noted Rep. Ro Khanna, another liberal.
Biden also held separate meetings with a group of moderate lawmakers and with Senators
