Democrats Angry Over Biden’s Latest Move: ‘Kindergarten-Level Cooperation’
President Joe Biden has left Democrats upset with him once again. Axios spoke with Democrats who are not happy with Biden’s plans to sign a resolution ending the COVID-19 national emergency. “It’s, like…
President Joe Biden has left Democrats upset with him once again.
Axios spoke with Democrats who are not happy with Biden’s plans to sign a resolution ending the COVID-19 national emergency.
“It’s, like, kindergarten-level cooperation,” Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) told the outlet.
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) explained he “probably wouldn’t have” changed his vote, explaining, “The issue wasn’t the specific date, the issue was giving enough time to make this transition.”
A Biden administration official said to Axios while the president “strongly opposes” the resolution, “If this bill comes to his desk … he will sign it.”
Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) called the move “an unacceptable lack of clarity, at best.”
He added, “I never have any concern about being on the opposite side of the White House on a policy question. But the lack of clear information, the lack of clarity in messaging, it’s not productive. It’s very unhelpful.”
Earlier this month, Biden landed himself in hot water with Democrats after telling them he would not block an effort led by Republicans to reverse D.C.’s new crime law, IJR reported.
Spanberger shared her thoughts on the move with Axios, asking, “How are you supposed to develop some sort of level of trust when … they say one thing and do another?”
Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) suggested her colleagues would “really appreciate getting a heads up from the White House.”
She argued it would be “really helpful to have as clear information from the White House as possible.”
Axios asked one House Democrat if it would have been more reasonable to give a heads up about Biden’s intentions.
“Unequivocal yes,” the Democrat said, adding there is “concern about a lack of communication and mutual strategy.”
Another issue Biden angered Democrats on this month was immigration.
After it was reported that the president is thinking about reviving detentions of migrant families who illegally came into the U.S., some Democrats questioned Biden’s strategy.
“The lack of communication on immigration-related policy decisions is an insult,” Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), told Axios at the time.
He added, “It would be like making civil rights legislative ideas and thoughts without checking with the Congressional Black Caucus.”
Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) argued resuming border detentions would be “callous and inhumane” and Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) said he was “disgusted and disappointed” the plan is even being considered by the White House.