Progressives slammed the Senate for passing a record-shattering Pentagon budget without approving the Build Back Better Act to fund social programs and battle the climate emergency. Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal noted the U.S. is spending more than the military budgets of the next 11 countries combined. She tweeted, “Don’t tell me we can’t afford to fight poverty, cancel student debt, pass paid leave, and defeat the climate crisis.”
On Wednesday, Democrats said they may delay a vote on the Build Back Better Act until the new year, as West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin signaled he will oppose an extension of the expanded child tax credit. Unless the Senate acts soon, families will no longer receive monthly payments of up to $300 per child. The Center for Budget Priorities warns ending the credit would plunge millions of U.S. children back into poverty.