WASHINGTON, D.C. (WGAN) The $1.75 trillion package proposed by the president’s administration has gained tentative support from two members of Maine’s congressional delegation.
The framework represents a scaling back of the Biden administration’s original $3.5 trillion Build Back Better bill. The most recent proposal, announced by the president on Thursday, cuts provisions from the initial plan like allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, free community college, and some parts of a sweeping climate plan.
Democrat Chellie Pingree, who represents Maine’s 1st Congressional District, has expressed support for the new version of the plan, which has yet to be presented as a formal legislative document. She said on social media that Build Back Better and a bipartisan infrastructure plan “must pass to complete the Biden agenda. This is a once-in-a-generation moment.”
According to the Portland Press Herald, the plan also gained tentative support from Independent Senator Angus King, who said he was reviewing the details and would look for areas of possible improvement. However, he spoke favorably of the plan, calling it “a historic opportunity to invest in our nation’s children, empower older Americans to affordably age at home, address the threats of climate change, and much more.”
The paper also writes that House Democrat Jared Golden, who represents the second district, was awaiting further details about the bill. He was among a group of House Democrats who opposed the original $3.5 trillion proposal.
Republican Senator Susan Collins has signaled she would not vote for the bill, with all Senate Republicans expected to oppose it.
The president’s latest proposal includes $400 billion for establishing universal pre-kindergarten. It would also expand access to affordable childcare, and set aside $555 billion for climate-related initiatives.