Democrats Look to Revive Reconciliation Bill Ahead of Biden's SOTU Address

House Democrats are calling for renewed action on a reconciliation bill after the Build Back Better Act failed to clear the Senate last year.

Leaders of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus and other groups issued a joint statement Tuesday urging lawmakers to negotiate a bill that can garner the support of 50 senators.

"It's not too late to meet this moment," they wrote. "There is broad consensus on the most critical solutions Americans need to lower costs for families, tackle the climate crisis, and create opportunities and good-paying jobs. It is time to act."

Their call comes just before President Joe Biden delivers his first State of the Union address to both chambers of Congress at 9 p.m. ET. The president currently faces low approval ratings as his administration deals with the Ukraine-Russia crisis, rising inflation and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest survey from The Washington Post and ABC News found just 37 percent of Americans approve of the job Biden is doing compared with 55 percent who disapprove.

According to the White House, Biden will use his State of the Union speech to make a case for a social safety net package, as well as tout advancements on the economy and the bipartisan infrastructure law.

"President Biden will call on Congress to send him legislation that lowers costs of everyday expenses working families face and lowers the deficit by rewarding work, not wealth," a senior administration official told reporters Monday. "He will lay out specific, practical measures that would reduce costs for families right now, including prescription drug costs and health care premiums, child care and pre-k costs and energy costs."

Lawmakers spent months last year negotiating Biden's signature Build Back Better legislation. The $1.75 trillion proposal would have created universal pre-K, reauthorized the enhanced Child Tax Credit ,provided for Medicare expansion among other benefits.

But with all Republicans united in their opposition to the bill, Democrats needed the support of all 50 senators who caucus with the party. Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia put the final nail in the bill's coffin in December when he announced he couldn't support the legislation as written.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer then promised a vote on the bill in the new year but no movement was ever made on Build Back Better.

"It's dead," Manchin told reporters in February.

House Democratic caucus leaders said Tuesday that a reconciliation bill is needed as American families continue to face "real economic challenges."

"We stand united and ready to work with President Biden and all of our colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure a strong, final version of this bill becomes law as soon as possible."

Newsweek has reached out to the White House for comment.