KEARNY, N.J. (Fwrd Axis) — President Joe Biden was in New Jersey on Monday to promote his economic agenda as talks with Democrats enter a critical week to pass his sweeping legislation.
Speaking from an NJ Transit maintenance facility in Kearny, Biden spoke about both bills and told a lengthy story about his time aboard Amtrak trains Washington, DC, and Delaware during his time in the United States Senate.
“These bills are not about left versus right or moderate versus progressive or anything that pits one American against another,” Biden said. “These bills are about competitiveness versus complacency. They’re about expanding opportunity, not opportunity denied. They’re about leading the world or continuing to let the world pass us by.”
A key component of the social spending package is the child tax credit, which Biden called “a tax cut”.
“We never have an argument when we talk about the wealthy. This is a tax cut. It changes the lives of the American people,” he said.
Prior to his remarks, the President visited an elementary school to highlight the universal pre-kindergarten portion of his package, which is offered to 4-year-old children in the state. The White House says Biden’s agenda passing would allow the North Plainfield School District to expand its free preschool to all 3-year-old children.
Over the weekend, Biden hosted Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W Va.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer at his Delaware home as he looks to finalize an agreement before he heads to Europe for eight days beginning on Thursday.
“It went well. A few more things to work out, but it went well,” Biden said of the meeting on Monday.
The President will stop in Rome for the G20 and a stop in Glasgow for the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Democrats appear close to a deal, seeking a vote on the infrastructure proposal as soon as Wednesday. Manchin said on Monday he expects there to be some “conceptual framework” for Biden’s social safety net package this week.
Principal press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Monday Biden would proceed as planned when asked if he would delay his departure if talks were still ongoing Thursday.
Monday in New Jersey, Biden appeared optimistic and touted the bills as life-changing for not only those in the state but the entire country.
“These bills are going to change the lives of millions of people in the area and hundreds of millions of people across the country for better and for years to come,” Biden said.
