US House Republican Leader: "Infrastructure Budget Agreement, Biden's Public Credit"...Unusual Praise

"Biden Deserves Credit for Achievements"
Clash Expected Over Additional $3 Trillion Infrastructure Budget

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate Majority Leader in the United States, gave an unusual compliment to President Joe Biden, praising him for his role in the passage of the $1 trillion (approximately 1,154 trillion KRW) infrastructure budget bill that passed the Senate the day before. This is interpreted as a reaffirmation of the principle that both parties in the U.S. respond in a bipartisan manner on issues related to securing global competitiveness.

On the 11th (local time), in an interview with The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), McConnell said, "President Biden played a major role in reaching a bipartisan agreement on the infrastructure budget bill's passage in the Senate, and I believe he deserves recognition for that," adding, "The President said he was a centrist when he ran, and we have seen evidence of that."

Earlier, the U.S. Senate agreed on a $1 trillion budget bill through negotiations between bipartisan lawmakers out of the $4 trillion infrastructure budget proposed by President Biden to Congress. The bill passed the Senate with 69 votes in favor and 30 against, supported by 19 Republican senators including McConnell.

McConnell stated, "Infrastructure is a popular area for both parties," and added, "President Biden's effort to reach a bipartisan agreement on infrastructure was effective." McConnell's rare praise of President Biden is interpreted as an effort to show that the U.S. political sphere is united in a bipartisan manner on the infrastructure budget bill, which is known as an investment to secure global competitiveness.

It is also evaluated that the fact that McConnell and President Biden, although from different political parties, have served together as senators for 24 years was a driving force behind this agreement. McConnell had previously said before last year's presidential election that Biden was someone he liked and a person who keeps promises.

After the Senate passed the infrastructure budget bill, President Biden expressed his gratitude in a White House speech, saying, "Compromise is difficult for both sides, but it is important and necessary for democracy to function," mentioning McConnell by name.

However, many issues remain unresolved in U.S. politics, and disputes between the parties are expected to continue. The U.S. political media outlet Politico pointed out, "There are still many issues where Republicans and Democrats are in conflict, including an additional $3.5 trillion infrastructure budget, raising the federal debt ceiling, and expanding voting rights," adding, "Within the Republican Party, opposition is particularly strong regarding raising the federal debt ceiling due to concerns about a fiscal cliff."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.