Biden hopeful Democrats can reach spending deal this week

U.S. President Biden departs for New Jersey
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to reporters before departing for Newark, New Jersey from the Delaware Air National Guard Base, New Castle, Delaware, U.S., October 25, 2021. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

By Nandita Bose and Steve Holland

U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday held out hope for an agreement on his major spending plans before attending a climate summit in Scotland, while the White House said Democratic negotiators were closing in on a deal.

“Let’s get this done. Let’s move!” said Biden.

Biden visited New Jersey to sell his “Build Back Better” agenda after talks on Sunday with moderate Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, whose vote is critical to the package, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a fellow Democrat.