Durbin says he supports $3.5T reconciliation bill price tag, but he is a ‘realist’

Democratic Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.) said on Sunday that he supports the $3.5 trillion price tag for a spending plan his party hopes to pass through the reconciliation process, but described himself as a “realist” when it comes to negotiations.

“Let me tell you at the outset I support the $3.5 trillion. I believe that the elements of it have been stated over and over again. They’re good for this country and they’re needed by families and by our nation,” Durbin said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

“But I’m a realist too,” he added. 

“Every vote counts when it comes to getting this majority and concessions will be made,” Democratic Majority Whip Dick Durbin says on reconciliation negotiations. Durbin says he supports the $3.5 trillion price tag, but adds that he is a “realist.” #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/u7LTBrrSGC

— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) October 3, 2021

Durbin’s comments come as Democrats have yet to reach an agreement about the total amount for their sweeping social spending bill.

While the bill was originally proposed at $3.5 trillion, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) has suggested a $1.5 trillion plan, an amount Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) said is too low to accomplish Democratic priorities. 

During his CNN appearance on Sunday, Durbin recalled the negotiation process for the Affordable Care Act, during which compromises had to be made. 

“I believe those concessions will lead to a different number. I just want to make sure that we come up with the right result,” Durbin said. “Not the biggest number but the most effective number to help families and this economy move forward in a responsible way.”

Durbin, however, would not specify what that price may end up being. 

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked ‘what’s your number?’ ” he said. “Every vote counts when it comes to getting to this majority, and concessions will be made. We’re certain of that.”