I guess I'm confused...It looks to me like the Covid Relief Bill will pass.

[MineralMan]

Of course it will require our fine VP to cast the tie-breaking vote, but it's going to pass and get to the President's desk for a signature.

Did it include everything everyone wanted? No. Almost no bill ever does. Did Manchin hold it up? Yes, he did, but he will vote for it on the floor.

Democrats are passing this bill. Would Republicans have passed anything that was even close to it? No, they would not.

Therefore, I call it a win/win situation.

We can include the $15 minimum wage in some other bill. We can re-introduce anything that got shunted out of this bill later. But, we will have a bill NOW that significantly helps to ease the pain, and it will be signed into law by the President.

Isn't that what we want to happen? Will that not help millions of Americans?

No bill is ever perfect. This one is no exception. But, we need it, and we need it right now.

We're getting it. That is a good thing!

[onecaliberal]

1. This is a touchdown by every measure.

Trying to focus on what’s next.

[hot2na]

46. So maybe we missed the extra point after the touchdown

So on the next drive when we score the touchdown we see if we can make the two point conversion.

[onecaliberal]

70. Yes, we gotta keep up the pressure and keep pushing.

70% of the country wants it. When have you heard of 70% on anything. We’ve got the ball rolling now.

[Demsrule86]

86. There is no way to pressure Republicans...not one of them voted on the covid package which

had a higher approval rating. We need to do other things now...failing repeatedly or using our limited time to keep up the 'pressure' on minimum wage won't help our electoral prospects...people want results and we can't deliver them...so we move on to something we can deliver.

[onecaliberal]

90. I don't see the caucus is going to move on.

Maybe we won’t get it soon but closer to the next election maybe the clowns on the other side will change their minds. The GOP is going to go through some things in the next two years.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

2. Thanks for the pep talk!

[ananda]

3. It's absolutely better than nothing..

which is all we would get from Reeps.

[MineralMan]

5. It is much, much better than nothing.

That is not the comparison. It is a little less than the ideal, but it is $1.9 Trillion better than nothing. That is a significant number, whoever you are.

[ananda]

53. Sorry. Agree. No offense meant.

From a very old lady who hasn't had any shots yet.

[Ocelot II]

4. The GOP is against it because they know it will be popular.

FDR's New Deal, which was also designed to help millions of people in dire straits, was extremely popular, too - and as a result, so was FDR. GOPers are soiling their Underoos worrying that the covid relief bill will increase Biden's popularity from its already record-high levels. Even though we didn't get everything we wanted (that's the way it always goes with complex legislation), people of all political stripes are going to welcome the relief the bill provides, and deplorable d-bags like McConnell and Cruz and the rest of those miscreants are going to be vibrating with impotent fury. Which will make me even happier.

[MineralMan]

6. Exactly. I will be celebrating the day Biden signs it.

I think we all should be celebrating that. Then, we work on getting more help.

[CentralMass]

7. Well a minor point. The republicans did pass a $2 trillion package a year ago.

It was flawed but it did pass.
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/26/821457551/whats-inside-the-senate-s-2-trillion-coronavirus-aid-package

It is good that the new bill was passed. But sobering in that it reveals that we are back to the status quo.

[Hortensis]

28. They HAD to LET it pass. They were pressured by public need so much that

we Democrats were able to force them to give up most of the giant giveaways to the wealthy donors the Republican senate version included that the Democratic-controlled HOUSE bill we passed emphatically did not.

[Demsrule86]

81. No we are not...this is a good bill.

[Nevilledog]

8. Won't need a tie-breaker since Sullivan is gone....50-49

[betsuni]

9. Thank you.

[MineralMan]

14. My Pleasure.

My wife and I have an income that is way, way lower than the maximum to get the stimulus check. However, our circumstances are about to change for the better. We talked about that yesterday. Since that stimulus check is not actually needed by us at this time, we are going to donate the $2800 to an organization that helps homeless families, who won't be getting a stimulus check either, in most cases.

We have never had an income higher than the cut-off for the stimulus check in our lives. Sad circumstances are going to help us in many ways, so we're going to pass along some of our benefits to people who need them more than we do.

[betsuni]

20. Another thank you then!

[sop]

10. But for the Georgia runoff wins, none of this would be happening.

[MineralMan]

16. You are exactly right. We need to make similar things happen

in other red states. We can do it, too.

We do need to stop fighting among ourselves though, and focus on the longer term.

[sop]

27. I'm sure Jaime Harrison is competent, and all, but Stacey Abrams should be head of the DNC.

We need her fire and passion in that job.

[Ocelot II]

52. She's more useful where she is. The DNC chair is an administrator

whose job is mainly fundraising for Dem candidates. Abrams has created an extremely effective GOTV machine that can be expanded nationwide. That's what we really need.

[Demsrule86]

82. I am not certain Harrison is experienced enough honestly.

[LakeArenal]

11. The Georgia miracle made it all possible.

Thanks again Georgia.

Joe’s less than first 100 days❣️❣️❣️❣️

❣️🇺🇸🤜🏻🤛🏻🇺🇸❣️

[comradebillyboy]

12. Waaaa, I only got 90% of what I wanted

Yes it's a huge victory for Biden and the country.

[mvd]

13. It's not perfect but it will still be a great help to many

And yes we would be getting nothing if the Repukes were still in charge. Some of the Repukes who voted for the unemployment benefits through July and the replacement $600 billion amendment for example did so only to try to be disruptive to the bill.

Keep trying on the minimum wage, even if we can’t pass the $15/hr right now.

[LovingA2andMI]

36. The Unemployment Benefits...

Are Until September 3rd.

[mvd]

74. Yes I know

I was just making a point about the amendment the Repukes voted for.

[Takket]

15. i'm bumed $15 didn't pass and it should be brought back up as a clean bill.......

once the relief bill passes the next priority is to get voting rights bill passed to kill the 200+ suppression bills the GOP has submitted across the country. we need the in place sooner than later to ensure our right to vote in 2022. Then bring $15 back up.

[MineralMan]

18. There is still much that needs to be done to correct

things. Much, indeed. However, one bill at a time. We need to stick together and get each bill passed and signed by our President.

We have a common enemy, even if we don't have everything else in common. We need to remember that.

[greatauntoftriplets]

17. It's excellent news, isn't it?

Quite an accomplishment for the Democrats.

[MineralMan]

19. Yes, Indeed It Is!

[Fla Dem]

56. Yes it is. Not only great for the citizens, but will be a wonderful accomplishment for those Dems

running in 2022. Commercials touting what the Democratic Congress did for the citizens of the US, while the Rethugs sat on their hands and did NOTHING. Please please they have to use this in the 2022 races.

[mcar]

21. I'm so old I remember how people would say

"Democrats need to start big so they have something to negotiate with." Well, President Biden did just this and is getting nearly everything he asked for.

Still, some on social media are crying that we've lost the House because one thing (albeit an important issue) didn't get into it.

This is a huge win and will help people across the country.

[MineralMan]

23. Exactly.

[hurple]

22. If Dems don't get the $15 through...

I believe they will get crushed in 22.

[MineralMan]

24. You do, eh? Well, I disagree.

How about that?

[Hortensis]

42. Weren't you surprised that 8 Democratic senators voted against

adding $15 in as an amendment? I was. I should have read written news and had a better picture. I think you overestimate actual DEMAND among Democrats for $15 or nothing in THIS ONE bill.

Here on DU Manchin's been portrayed by some as Republican demon. Turns out the $15 increase was never even remotely possible -- even if Manchin was not counted, and Manchin himself actually required very little amendment of the Democratic bill for his support.

Then there are polls of Democratic voters. A large majority would support $15 but overall want it applied in stages and then indexed for the future. It doesn't have to be right now.

A lot of states already have MW levels at $12 or so, including several that increased state levels just this year. Sinema of AZ voted against, but AZ already has MN of $12/hour. And discuss it frequently with their voters.

All different ways of suggesting that the notion that most Democrats will be outraged at not passing the $15 increase right now does not reflect that actual situation.

There's something else everyone needs to realize: We COULD very possibly have gotten an increase to $11/hour passed. $11. Right now the federal MW is $7.25. Just go ask anyone making that if they're glad the minority proponents of $15 or nothing (knowing it'd be nothing) didn't agree to an increase to $11 right now. Right now. While continuing the fight for $15.

[stopdiggin]

69. a much better explanation of $15 MW

and thanks for that. That story didn't exactly play out quite the way it was being portrayed in some places. It was an awfully big ask (as well as bump/jump for some areas) to start out with --didn't have the near the universal support that was advertised -- and there was also some feeling that it just didn't have a place in this bill in the first place. All debatable of course -- but it wasn't nearly the black & white, us or them, story we were being sold.

(and Manchin is kind of beside the point, for me, but we sure waste a lot of breath there don't we? my favorite D? hardly. would I vote for him? put him up against Graham, McConnell, Cruz -- yeah, I pull that lever in a NY second!)

[onenote]

43. Why? Do you think Repubs are going to attack Democrats for not passing a minimum wage hike?

When every Republican was opposed to a minimum wage hike?

[wnylib]

72. Maybe the poster was suggesting that

Dems who wanted the $15 raise will sulk and not vote. I don't see it happening, or hope it won't, but I think that was what was being suggested.

[hurple]

75. Not at all

I think the Republicans will turn out to vote in force like they always do.

And I think the (sorta) dems, and low-wage earners, who feel they were promised a $15 minimum wage, but didn't get it, will stay home and not vote.

I have worked on many campaigns, and so far I have been very accurate estimating turnout. I may be wrong this time, but for a large swath of the constituency I see this as a major make-or-break item. Second only to COVID relief right now. I fear if it's not passed, they will pass on bothering to hit the polls.

[Demsrule86]

83. I don't. I think so that is nonsense. And if the left does to Biden what they did to Obama then

time to more more to the center and pick up the votes we need elsewhere. We need a reliable base.

[TwilightZone]

25. It is a win/win. People just like to complain incessantly about every tiny development.

The last day or two has exposed the worst in a lot of people, and I don't mean Manchin.

[MineralMan]

29. Well, it's far easier to focus on details you don't like than to

examine all of the benefits. The bill, in toto, is far too complex to be understood fully by most people. However, single elements that did not survive in the bill are very easy to understand. If one or more of those elements that are no longer in the bill are hot-button issues for someone, then it might seem as though the entire bill failed somehow.

It didn't. I is going to be a very valuable help to most people, and will ease their pain and help them get by. Most people. Not absolutely everyone. Those earning more than $80,000 per year as individuals are not getting their $1400. However, millions of people who earn $75,000 or less per year will get it. For them, the percentage of their total income that amount of money represents can be a real boost.

It will really help those people whose income falls below the median income in the USA. Again, figure the percentages it represents.

$300 per month of UI is not as good as $400. It is, however, far more than $0.00. Nobody will refuse the $300. It will help them.

The bill doesn't have student loan forgiveness in it, either. That will have to be taken up later. It is needed, but is not in this bill.

[LovingA2andMI]

38. And Sinema's Display was...

A-Okay?

[Mr.Bill]

59. The important thing is it was evident.

It will haunt her in the primaries.

[stopdiggin]

71. did anybody say that? (nt)

[LovingA2andMI]

77. Umm...

Good question. Sound like it.

[stopdiggin]

80. okay -- then for the record

it was a silly and childish display -- was almost universally received as such -- and, in a single public display, exposed a particular individual as being someone who probably didn't have nearly the depth or character required to do the job.

Probably trying to make a play toward the McCain fans back home. And fell flat on her face on that one as well. I've seen little defense offered, in any quarter.

Edit: - retrospectively, I have seen discussion of the Senator previously being a vocal proponent of MW (currently already at $12, going $12.25 in AZ). The flouncy little thumbs down theatrics of the previous day? NOPE.
Edit: - strike 'flouncy' -- sexist pejorative.

[11 Bravo]

26. This kind of level-headed pragmatism doesn't always play well here.

We didn't get everything we wanted, therefore the bill is a complete sell-out.
Also, Manchin should be primaried, because everybody knows that WV will automatically replace him with a more liberal Democrat.

[MineralMan]

30. Most people here actually understand that this is a good bill.

Only a few are angry about all the help it will provide to many millions of their neighbors. Those people need to expand their angle of view, it seems to me.

I am a pragmatic guy. I like it when people who need help benefit from government actions. I like that a lot.

[LovingA2andMI]

40. The Only Reason Manchin Came Though....

Is because he got something behind the scenes. We need to look for a pick up elsewhere to eliminate his "power" for the future. Plain and simple and this statement will not be taken back.

[Hortensis]

49. 58 senators voted against. Manchin was NOT a swing vote on the MW,

which is something knowledgeable observers knew well before today. All who claimed he was were either badly mislead about what was happening or lying.

Now, even its most ardent supporters should realize passing Sanders' amendment for the $15 increase to THIS bill was never even remotely possible -- even if Manchin was not counted. Otherwise, Manchin supported this bill and negotiated only a little amendment for his support.

Here's something else to chew on: We COULD very possibly have gotten an increase to $11/hour passed. $11. Instead, the federal MW will remain $7.25 until Democrats finally get an increase passed.

Just go ask anyone making MW if they're glad the minority proponents of $15 or nothing (knowing it'd be nothing) refused to consider an increase to $11 right now. Right now. While continuing the fight for $15.

That might cause some to admire their supposed great concern. That concern plus $3 will buy a box of Cheerios for a baby just learning to feed himself.

[Fiendish Thingy]

60. If voting rights bill doesn't pass by fall, there will be no Dem "pickups"

Without voting rights laws, Dems will lose their majorities for a decade or longer..

[LovingA2andMI]

78. The Best We Can Do with Manchin....

Just keep him there while keeping the Filibuster he won't eliminate and don't worry whatsoever about looking for a pick up elsewhere for his seat because, he's just good ole' Joe Manchin. Correct?

[Fiendish Thingy]

79. Incorrect. Dems and constituents can keep on the heat, forcing Manchin to choose

Manchin must be forced to choose between killing/modifying the filibuster, and ending his career.

Less than a week ago, he was proclaiming “NEVER!!!”; today there are several threads on DU with an interview Manchin gave in which his position seems to soften, specifically around voting rights. He incorrectly suggests reconciliation could be used to pass voting rights, but also says the filibuster should be more “painful” to use- require actual speaking, and 40 senators present to sustain.

Things appear to be shifting ever so slightly...stay tuned...

[Demsrule86]

87. I don't agree with you. But Manchin has indicated he is not opposed to changing the filibuster

and using it for some things...he specifically mentioned the election bill.

[Fiendish Thingy]

88. Yes, I noticed some cracks appearing in Manchin's position as well. My position on HR1 isn't unique

The position that passage of HR1, including the killing/modifying of the filibuster that is required, is critical to preserving Dems majorities, and American Democracy, is held by the following:

Adam Schiff
Jim Clyburn
Amy Klobuchar
Jeff Merkley
Bernie Sanders
...and Barack Obama, among many others.

[LovingA2andMI]

89. Again...That Only Happens....

If Manchin and Sinema AGREE to KILL the Filibuster (which both said they DON'T AGREE TO DO) OR Schumer FINDS a WAY to WORK AROUND THEM if not.

Again, Manchin or Sinema does not need to be there pass 2022 IF Schumer finds the work around, which he will. Find the Pick Ups Elsewhere and/or Primary Them. Next...

[Fiendish Thingy]

91. How does Schumer find a work around for millions of disenfranchised voters?

If you’ve been reading DU today, you know that Manchin is already softening his position regarding making the filibuster more “painful” for the GOP to use in obstructing the voting rights bill.

That is the “workaround”; just give it some time while the pressure stays on Manchin and Sinema

[LovingA2andMI]

92. Yeah....

Time will tell and it appears Schumer is working the workaround which is what we said. DONE!

[Demsrule86]

84. Wrong and eight Senator votes against minimum wage...stop attacking Manchin who as always

came through on what was important and has indicated a willingness to reform the filibuster and not use it for things like elections for example. We are fortunate to have a majority...although I hope to expand it in 22.

[Elessar Zappa]

31. I'm happy about it.

The only thing I would have liked done differently is the income cap for the stimulus but it’s not a big deal. This bill will be hugely popular and helpful, hopefully helping Dems win in 2022.

[MineralMan]

32. Whatever the income cap was would leave out some people.

There had to be a cap somewhere. Depending on where you live and what sort of work you do, it might affect you or might not.

I've never made that kind of money in my entire life, and I'm living a middle-class lifestyle. But, I don't live in one of our high medium income areas, so it's easier for me.

If the cap had been $100k per person, there would be someone who is struggling with an income of $110k who would not get the check. I look at percentages with things like this. $1400 means a helluva lot more to someone earning $25k per year than it does to someone earning $80k per year. That's how I look at it.

[Elessar Zappa]

33. True.

It doesn’t affect me as I’m poor as a mouse and would qualify under any scenario. I just thought from the beginning that it would have been less complicated to just give it to everyone and if some people got it who didn’t need it, oh well. But to be clear, I’m very happy about this achievement and it shows what can be done when people vote for Democrats.

[George II]

34. It passed. Unfortunately Sen. Sullivan had a family emergency and had to return home so VP Harris...

...didn't have to vote. The vote was 50-49.

[MineralMan]

35. Even better.

[Joinfortmill]

37. Hallelujah

[NurseJackie]

39. Thank you. It's very nice to read a reality-based evaluation and summary.

[MineralMan]

44. It was my pleasure.

[Happy Hoosier]

41. It's a victory, bit not a complete victory.

IMO, not having the minimum wage increase is a big blow. We are unlikely to get it in another bill. Limiting the eligibility for stimulus is also a bad idea. But there is a lot of good in there. It IS a victory and represents the best we can get for now.

I am disappointed that a few Democrats just don‘t get it, though.

[MineralMan]

45. Frankly I don't remember a single major bill passed through Congress

in my entire live being a complete victory. And I've had a long, long life.

[Happy Hoosier]

50. I agree.

I am tempering my disappointment. After four years of Trump, Biden‘s victory and the miracle of winning the two GA Senate seats, there is a sense that we can do all the wonderful things we need to do. Then political reality bites us in the ass.

It is important to remember that this IS a victory to be celebrated.

[Demsrule86]

85. Stop with the minimum wage. What part of it can't be done in reconciliatio do folks not understand?

We get what we can...and we can go back and try when we have enough votes.

[Texin]

48. What's got me scratching my head was the behavior of Sinema last evening.

I don't understand how it is that a woman who was all for raising the minimum wage about four or five years ago (and before that!) could vote the way she did last evening and then perform her little theatrics with the McCain thumb-down thereafter. I'm totally baffled by this.

[MineralMan]

51. She was going for drama, a la McCain. It failed.

She'll learn from the blowback caused by her over-dramatic action, I hope.

[Jon King]

54. Could be a good thing going forward...

She looked like a fool and got called out for it. Maybe she will fall in line a bit more now. AZ demographics in the suburbs are trending blue.

[CaptainTruth]

57. Maybe because it meant ignoring the Parlimentarian?

The Senate Parliamentarian had already said that the $15 min wage increase couldn't be in the bill, so that vote was "should we ignore the ruling of the Senate Parliamentarian?"

I'm not sure I would have felt comfortable voting yes on that. If I remember correctly there were Parliamentarian rulings that helped get the ACA passed, & I'm not sure saying "ignore the Parlimentarian" is best for the long run.

Having said that, I agree that her method of voting seemed excessive & unnecessary.

[Texin]

76. I think you may be correct. I seem to remember something about

her having been uneasy about blowing through the Parliamentarian ruling. Her background is in the law, and many (true) legal people are queasy about blowing up the legal bits of *legislating*. I call to mind the bits from A Man for All Seasons in which More admonishes his son-in-law about blowing through the laws. I won't go into the details, but recalling those lines bring me up by the short hairs every time I want to blow through the laws that protect (and, sadly, hurt) us each and every day.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

55. Thank you

[Mr.Bill]

58. We need to fight the minimum wage laws

on a state or local level. What's right for California will never fit for West Virginia. State economies will always vary. This is not a problem that can be solved fairly on a one-size-fits-all federal level.

I will agree it needs to go up everywhere. But the amount differs in different states.

[Maru Kitteh]

61. Very well said.

[wryter2000]

62. I'm beyond thrilled with this

Not just that the bill passed and it will do tremendous good, but also that it shows Biden and staff aren't going to mess around trying to get a Republican or two to sign on. That bodes well for the next two years.

I wonder how many other things we can do by budget resolution. IF we can get enough done, there will be lots to run on in 2022.

I don't suppose HR1 and/or the John Lewis Voting Rights Act qualify. Those are at the top of my wish list.

[MoonlitKnight]

63. A great victory

Minimal changes. But I feel the pressure that was applied during the sausage making helped to minimize those changes.

[peggysue2]

64. It's a very good thing and . . .

a spectacular success for the Biden Administration and the American people. Relief is coming, finally!

[ancianita]

65. A very good thing. It could even set the stage for more senate wins, as well.

[MineralMan]

67. I certainly hope so.

Some will be more difficult, considering the possibility of not having enough votes for cloture in the case of a GQP filibuster.

I think the Senate Democrats should require actual talking filibusters every time, if that is the case. Make the GQP work for it, not just fail to vote for cloture.

[ancianita]

73. ...

I meant in 2022, against those who voted against EC confirmation; but yes, what you said, too.

[bottomofthehill]

66. A win is a win is a win!

People who need help will get it

[bluestarone]

68. Thank God! This is what Joe, Kamala, and the American people needed. WE are the WINNERS!!!

Hope we got good videos AGAINST these QTHUGS, for the 2022-2024 election!