Sinema: I simply won't back a $3.5T spending bill

[Polybius]

Source: Politico

Kyrsten Sinema still opposes her party's plans for a $3.5 trillion, party-line spending bill. And she’s not up for a negotiation about it.

As House Democratic leaders hold back Sinema’s own Senate-passed bipartisan infrastructure bill in order to push the Arizona Democrat and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) to support a multitrillion-dollar spending bill, Sinema is making it crystal clear that her mind can’t be changed. And that applies even as her own legislation becomes a bargaining chip in House Democrats’ internal discussions.

The $550 billion bipartisan infrastructure bill “is a historic win for our nation’s everyday families and employers and, like every proposal, should be considered on its own merits,” said Sinema spokesperson John LaBombard. “Proceedings in the U.S. House will have no impact on Kyrsten’s views about what is best for our country - including the fact that she will not support a budget reconciliation bill that costs $3.5 trillion.”

It’s the latest entrenched position from the first-term moderate, whose resistance to changing the Senate’s filibuster rules and to supporting a $3.5 trillion spending bill is enraging progressives. Sinema and Manchin both helped pass Democrats’ budget earlier this month, setting up that gargantuan spending bill, but both are resistant to a social spending package that ultimately meets its $3.5 trillion top line mark.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2021/08/23/sinema-35t-spending-bill-506583?nname=playbook-pm&nid=0000015a-dd3e-d536-a37b-dd7fd8af0000&nrid=0000014e-f111-dd93-ad7f-f91591180000&nlid=964328

[marble falls]

1. There's got to be a candidate to beat her in Primary. Wasn't Terry Goddard a very popular ...

... mayor of Phoenix?

[AZSkiffyGeek]

10. He was a terrible candidate though.

Lost for governor (and I think Senator) a few times.

[summer_in_TX]

67. I hope that you will hold your nose in the general and vote for her if it comes to that.

Control of the House (and thus House committees) is too close for comfort. If the Rs get control, the chances of our being able to keep our democracy go way down.

We MUST hold the House (and gain numbers in the Senate).

[yaesu]

2. Sinema, along with some other dems belongs to a corporate think tank that uses them as puppets

and i'm sure they are well paid for it.

[Ford_Prefect]

21. Would that be the U.S. Chamber of Commerce? They seem to have a lot of "pull".

[yaesu]

24. The one I'm thinking of was talked about on a progressive talk show today but I can't remember

the name of it. I know it wasn't the chamber, its an organization that claims to be promoting fairness but is really a RW funded deal like Alec.

[Ford_Prefect]

48. The Chamber has been arguing against progressive issues like the Biden Infrastructure bill.

They want less spending but moreover they appear to favor privatization measures which would have private enterprises owning important public resources and properties like bridges, or so I've heard.

Would that be the Claremont Institute, or some other one?

[yaesu]

81. I agree, the national Chamber is very toxic

The organization I was referring to is The Problem Solvers who are also a front group for the fascists

[Ford_Prefect]

83. Did you mean The Problem Solvers Caucus? The name dropping side kick to "No Labels".

Of whom Rep. Marc Pocan-D said in an opinion piece for Huffington Post:

First, the organization spent almost twice as much helping re-elect Republicans as it spent helping Democrats. Second, reporters reviewed email correspondence that showed No Labels contemplating a plan to attack Pelosi and use her leadership as a wedge to divide congressional Democrats. And third, it’s clear that No Labels never had any meaningful ultimatums or demands on rules for leadership during eight years of a Republican-led House, or over the last four years of a Republican-led Senate. No Labels only has challenges for Democratic leadership in the House, specifically, for our next speaker, Nancy Pelosi.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/opinion-no-labels-mark-pocan_n_5c06b110e4b0cd916fb0b042

Several people have offered the opinion that this group is more oriented to corporatist solutions and has a neo-liberal bent to it. A few have suggested that it is deep cover for some of the darker corporation money influencers who use it to create a false sense of security for centrists of both parties while advancing corporate special interests.

I don't know how much of that is true but it would not surprise me if it was. However IMO centrists seem to be a bit delusional regarding how much of the mainstream they represent or how much corporate welfare is good for the USA.

[brush]

68. The CofC is always republican.

[Raster]

3. I live in Arizona, and I am so fucking sick of Sinema...

... she needs to throw on her tutu and flounce on out of here.

I voted for her, raised money for her and donated to her. I will not make that mistake again.
I will vote for Sinema ONLY if she is running against a rethuglican.

[KarenS]

7. I live here too and shudder when I see that she has 'spoken' again,,,,

I will never get the image of that little curtsy/flounce thing she did while voting against the $15 wage,,,,

[Rebl2]

29. That is my

main memory of her and would have loved to tripped her ask she walked away!

[NCDem47]

16. Not an AZ resident...but I honestly don't know who this one is playing to anymore.

I get that she has a fine line in a pinkish state, but she's alienated everyone. The right. The left. Moderates. Was she purposely put in to sabotage Democrats? Was she a Trojan Horse for dark forces?

[Lonestarblue]

52. She seems to be in the Jill Stein mode--a spoiler for everything.

Based on her actions, I have to wonder is she has a lot of Republican money behind her.

[diverdownjt]

4. THEN YOU ARE NOT A DEMOCRAT!!!!!

QUIT LYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[FBaggins]

12. So Mitch McConnell is the majority leader now?

That's it for Biden's legislative agenda from here on out? Not to mention judicial appointments?

[rpannier]

44. She's already blocking his agenda

She's blocking the 3.5T and imperiling the bipartisan bill

[FBaggins]

45. So that's his entire agenda now?

Who knew?

[rpannier]

47. No

It is part of it
A key part of it is infrastructure
She helping to block voting rights -- key for the President an the Party

[FBaggins]

49. Which is entirely different from "NOT A DEMOCRAT"

Most people are able to distinguish between "I don't get 100% of what I want" and "I never get anything at all" before they learn to walk.

With basically the narrowest political margins in history... we aren't going to get everything that we want.

[rpannier]

51. No one is saying that

But, she has gone out of her way to be an antagonist
She says she won't vote for the 3.5T and she is free to provide her alternative

As to your "...we aren't going to get everything we want." comment.
If you don't push back hard against congressional reps, they will do whatever they want
I do find it fascinating that when members on the left raise major objectives over legislation and say they refuse to vote for it people here have a complete meltdown
Curious... do you extend them the same courtesy?
Oh... and when did I say she was not a Democrat?
My apologies... I scrolled through the thread and found what you were refering. It wasn't me about the not a Democrat
Again...apologies

[Polybius]

56. If you just criticize her policies you'll be fine

If they call her names, what would you expect?

[FBaggins]

61. No problem at all

I figured when I read your title.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

63. The filibuster makes Moscow Mitch the de facto leader of the Senate.

He wins whether his party is in the majority or not.

With Democrats like Manchin and Cinema, who needs Republicans?

[FBaggins]

64. No it doesn't

He can block some things… but he can’t pass anything.

[DemocraticPatriot]

70. Republicans rarely want to pass anything anyway,

unless it's another huge tax cut for the rich.

The filibuster is an unequal tool... It is more useful to the Republicans, who simply want to block all change whatsoever.

[Ligyron]

77. Exactly.

It is a stumbling block to progress and change, and benefits conservatism and the status quo.

Yes, it’s been used by Democrats to stop some truly hideous legislation but that’s rare.

We simply must win these next two elections or democracy as we know it is doomed. In which case, I’m sure glad I am old but I’ll go down fighting.

[cstanleytech]

75. No, he is not but Sinema and Manchin by their resistance are not working to help advance

a number of key things the party is trying to do and that needs to change.
If not then the party needs to consider other candidates to replace them.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

34. Agree.

[NewHendoLib]

5. narcissistic asshole.

[nuxvomica]

6. Someone should ask her which donors have decided she should take this position

This is entirely donor driven with the both of them. And maybe the arguments should be made directly to her donors, like "Let me speak to your supervisor."

[BradAllison]

8. Be careful everyone

There are people here who do not want a bad thing said about her.

[Warpy]

9. Why do I think she'd back it for WAR?

Somebody needs to 'splain to her that the wars are over and that the yearly cost would be far less than that for any of the, plus kill a lot fewer people and make us fewer enemies in this world.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

11. What about Tester?

He's spoken against the 3.5T price tag. I think Mark Kelly has as well.

[FBaggins]

17. And of course Manchin

There's little doubt that a second bill will get pared down substantially if it's going to pass...

... this is really about getting the House to pass the compromise infrastructure package now.

[questionseverything]

26. Tester and kelly will negotiate in good faith tho

There are things that could be scaled back in the reconciliation bill but that is way different from saying,” it can’t happen “

[LymphocyteLover]

13. OK how about $3.4 T? $3.3T?

[LymphocyteLover]

14. Hope they will accept it trimmed it down to 2.9T so moderates can act like they got some concession

But FFS the PLANET IS BURNING AND WE NEED MAJOR ACTION ON THE CLIMATE NOW!!!

[BradAllison]

19. Forget it

We are going to half ass every infrastructure bill until we die. And we will have deserved it.

[LymphocyteLover]

22. Thanks for helping kill the humanity Krysten

[frazzled]

25. That's what I'm thinking

I think it was assumed all along that there could be some negotiation on the price tag. $2.9T can do a lot of good, so I'm not opposed to giving these dogs a bone in order to get something done.

[LymphocyteLover]

42. Agreed

[Mr.Bill]

15. Everybody wants a Pony.

She'll probably get one.

[Harker]

40. Or a unicorn. n/t

[ananda]

18. She must be getting big bucks for doing this.

I really find her utterly disgusting.

[Fiendish Thingy]

20. More performance art masquerading as governance

Lil Curtsy must be back from vacation and starved for attention…

This stunt means nothing; the reconciliation bill will pass, perhaps with a slightly smaller total price tag.

[DFW]

72. Performance indeed.

I think from now on, I have to call her Kyrsten Cinema.

[rickyhall]

23. Some congress critters really don't budgeting and math.

Wonder runs their homes for them.

[turbinetree]

27. I need a fucking drink.......and since they don't have a emoji for gin and tonic.........

https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/kyrsten-sinema/industries?cid=N00033983&cycle=2020


https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/kyrsten-sinema/contributors?cid=N00033983&cycle=2020

[ZonkerHarris]

28. Fuck her.

[Mr.Bill]

41. No, thank you.

[bluestarone]

30. I continue to ask this question of these Democrats that continue to say this and that

What's the sense of saying ANYTHING? All it does is UPSET other Democrats plus Gives the NO GOOD REHTHUGS more talking points! Just SHUT THE FUCK UP!

[canetoad]

53. Do you have

Experience of this?

[sabbat hunter]

32. She said the same exact thing

at the end of July. Not sure why she is saying it again now.

[Deminpenn]

33. She is definitely negotiating

despite claiming not to be.

[honest.abe]

36. Yep.

Her statement is that she wont support a 3.5T bill. Which means she might support a 3T bill as long as she gets something in return. All the other moderate Dems will probably do the same.

[Deminpenn]

37. She voted for the 3.5T budget blueprint!

That's why it's in the House now.

I think she's trying to help the cause of the 9 House Dems who are blustering about a vote on the "bi-partisan" bill.

[honest.abe]

39. But it still needs to go back to the Senate for final approval.. correct?

I assume she is saying she wont support it if comes back to the Senate with 3.5T price tag.

[Deminpenn]

60. Yes, but I believe House and Senate negotiators

will develop a final bill. That would presumably pass muster with all Senate and House Dems.

[FBaggins]

62. It isn't even "final approval"

This is just a resolution outlining the general scope of the budget. The hard work of actually crafting that budget goes through committees in both houses and that work has only barely begun in the Senate. The House has to pass a resolution just to start the process... and then both houses have to pass the actual budget (and it can't happen before October 1st).

What she's saying is in context with the House Progressive Caucus that says that they don't want to vote on the already-Senate-passed compromise bill until after the $3.5T budget get's through the final vote in the Senate. That means waiting until at least October even though it could be on the president's desk next week if the House passed it now.

[Autumn]

38. At least she's not one of those damn progressives like the Squad that get nothing done.

[Mr. Evil]

43. If her decisions are donor driven,

then why don't the contractors in her state rise to the occasion and tell her in no uncertain terms that they need that money. The contracts they are awarded will facilitate hiring a multitude of workers at very good pay. They benefit. And they'll need equipment whether it's lease or buy, those providers will benefit. Equipment they already have will need repairs and upgrading. Mechanics benefit. Newer, safer roads and bridges. Newer and safer railroads. Newer, better, safer for everyone! And she says no.

Not to mention all the other goods and services to be provided for American human beings and their families over the next several years making life less stressful and more enjoyable. But, NO! She's just a tasteless tart (Fuck Off ring) only in Washington, DC for the perks and her own self-aggrandizement.

Some reporter needs to grill her ASAP as to why. Make her explain it.

[LiberalLovinLug]

65. That's brilliant

There should be multi-front pressures put upon her. Encouraging these groups to speak up. Billboards and ads bought by different trade and industrial organizations. To the point where even moderate Republicans are wavering.

[Mr. Evil]

66. Exactly.

And when these people put the screws to republicans and a few of them come to their senses, she loses her power (and her power trip).

[rdking647]

46. start cutting her state out of any federal projects.

[machoneman]

50. Pres. Biden needs to appear with a good Dem candidate, in the WH, and trumpet his support....

for that candidate. He also needs to say why: Dems need oust Sinema and ensure she never holds any Federal office ever again. That WILL get her attention.

[Polybius]

55. When was the last time a a sitting Dem President supported a primary against a sitting Dem Senator?

Has it happened in modern times?

[lees1975]

57. Come on Arizona Democrats

let's get the pressure on her. You've elected two democrats to the senate in a short cycle, get someone to take her place who will represent your will, not hers.

[Moebym]

58. I've been struggling to understand

Why Sinema is behaving the way she is.

Is it all an act? Does she genuinely believe this is what her constituents want? What is it?

[Polybius]

59. Maybe she got more conservative when she hit her 40's

I got more liberal when I hit my 30's.

[DemocraticPatriot]

69. ... and we simply won't support your re-nomination....

Curtsey to that, *****

[betsuni]

71. Sinema has a "special friendship" and "a lot in common" with Meghan McCain.

They think they're both independent thinkers and mavericks. Sinema was a guest on McCain's last "The View" show.

And they both use hideous fashion stylings to troll us, for some reason.

McCain is pretty much universally disliked except for her friends, so if you're her friend ... Yikes.

[LittleGirl]

73. Omg, I didn't know that re: McCain

Ugh. She’s going to get a strongly worded letter of rebuff from me today.
I won’t vote for her if she keeps up this b.s.

[betsuni]

74. Okay, Krysten.

[LittleGirl]

76. ???

[myohmy2]

78. "...first-term moderate..."

...moderate...

[Greybnk48]

80. You mean "one term?" n/t

[Jilly_in_VA]

79. She's awful

and I don't care who knows I think so. I don't consider her a Democrat at all. Angus King is more of one than she is and so is Bernie.

[czarjak]

82. Former Mormon.

[Karma13612]

84. Is there a way

To find out which think tanks these politicians are members of?

If we could do research on the Think Tanks and then find out what their policies are, and to what degree the various Congress-people are beholden to them, maybe we could do a bit of “naming and shaming”??

If we can expose their achilles heels, a bit like Senator Whitehouse did with the white-board on our SCOTUS, maybe we can apply some pressure.

Basically, I just don’t have the stomach for this anymore. I don’t know what the average retired, with modest finances, afraid to get her skull fractured while demonstrating, 60-something white female is supposed to do, other than vote. As we can see, even when we vote for the Democratic candidate, and they win, we still seem to get shafted. I am not aiming to get banned by criticizing the Democratic Congress-person, I just am at my wits end. What can I do to help without money to donate, money to travel to demonstrate, and more importantly, the courage to demonstrate??