National

Axios AM

A White House official tells me talks with Democratic lawmakers on the final shape of President Biden's Build Back Better agenda "are accelerating ... [T]his progress means we can conclude negotiations soon."

Driving the news: "There’s urgency and purpose in our conversations behind bringing these game-changing economic growth plans home for families, and we feel good about the momentum," the official said.

State of play: Democrats are wrangling over how to cut Biden's social-spending plans from $3.5 trillion over 10 years to around $2 trillion — still a historic increase in the safety net.

Mood music: "NEGOTIATIONS DRAG ON FOR 'BUILD BACK BETTER' BILLS," an MSNBC chyron blared Friday morning.

Go deeper: Progressives plan rally to keep paid family leave in plan

White House sees Hill deal on Biden's spending plans "soon"

"[T]his progress means we can conclude negotiations soon."

President Biden with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Congress

Policymaking

Joe Biden

A White House official tells me talks with Democratic lawmakers on the final shape of President Biden&#x27;s Build Back Better agenda &quot;are accelerating ... [T]his progress means we can conclude negotiations soon.&quot;Driving the news: &quot;There’s urgency and purpose in our conversations behind bringing these game-changing economic growth plans home for families, and we feel good about the momentum,&quot; the official said.

President Biden has made the COVID-19 crisis and a post-Trump return to national unity and traditional democratic ideals his top priorities. From vaccinations to stimulus to schools, Biden is seeking bipartisan compromise while showing a willingness to use executive authority and bare Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate to implement his policies. Republican leaders are navigating deep party divisions over if and how to move beyond former President Trump.