Biden's supporters on Capitol Hill strike back

Driving the news: Dozens of House members and senators pronounced their support for Biden continuing as the nominee on Monday — even members of the progressive "Squad," who have at times shunned Biden for his support of Israel.

• "We are losing the plot," said Squad Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), "Joe Biden is the nominee."
• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) told reporters: "I made clear publicly the day after the debate I support Joe Biden and the Democratic ticket. My position has not changed."
• Asked more than half a dozen follow up questions, Jeffries repeatedly replied: "Same answer."

State of play: Half a dozen House Democrats, including prominent progressives and veteran lawmakers, have publicly called for Biden to withdraw as the presumptive Democratic nominee.

• Many others have said so privately, particularly swing-district lawmakers who have the most to lose from a weak candidate at the top of their party's ticket.
• And much of the party has expressed or at least acknowledged concerns about Biden's ability to take on former President Trump.
• But Biden has dug in and refused to step aside, with his campaign constantly pointing out that his public supporters outnumber those few lawmakers willing to openly oppose him.

What they're saying: Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), a veteran progressive, told Axios she is "very much in support of Joe Biden" and expressed concern that Democrats calling for him to step aside are aiding Trump.

• Republicans are "probably so happy right now that this discussion is going on," she said, adding, "I think we have to get past that. We have to be concentrated on getting people out to vote."
• Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) said Biden "pretty forcefully" laid out his case in a letter to congressional Democrats on Monday, adding, "That's exactly the type of campaign and energy that I'd like to see and we're starting to see."
• Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) acknowledged that Biden is "feeble physically," but said "mentally, he's strong and he's made great decisions over the last few years and I think he can continue to do that."

Zoom in: In a call with the Congressional Black Caucus on Monday, the president enjoyed a warm reception from lawmakers who have emerged as his base of support on Capitol Hill.

• Biden spoke for roughly 20 minutes in what one source described as a "heavy policy call" focused on housing, taxing the wealthy, going after Trump for his "Black Jobs" comment and growing Black wealth.

• Members on the call largely used time allotted for questions to praise Biden, the source added.

Yes, but: The chairs of the two largest Democratic groups in Congress, the Progressive Caucus' Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and New Democrat Coalition's Annie Kuster (D-N.H.), stopped short of throwing their support for Biden.

• Both said they have been sounding out members of their respective groups – and suggested that mixed opinions in each bloc have kept them from taking firm positions.
• Several moderate and swing-district lawmakers told Axios they still need to be convinced that Biden has what it takes to win in November.
• Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), who has publicly criticized the Biden campaign's response to lawmakers' fears about his electability, told Axios on Monday: "With the passage of time, I'm more and more concerned."

What to watch: Democrats' caucus meeting on Tuesday morning is expected to focus on Biden, with lawmakers predicting that the conversation will get heated.

• Some lawmakers say they want to hear from Biden himself: "I think it's important for the president and the team to meet with Democrats – either bring us to the White House as a full caucus or in smaller groups – and lay out [his] case," said Bera.
• Jayapal said a meeting between Biden and the Progressive Caucus is "in the works," with Kuster expressing interest in Biden huddling with the New Democrats as well.

Go deeper: Ohio Dems tell presidential delegates to keep quiet about Biden