Democrats abandon free community college as White House warns social safety net bill will shrink below $2T

President Joe Biden told progressive lawmakers Tuesday that the final social spending bill is expected to drop tuition-free community college and curtail the child tax credit program, two sources familiar with the meeting said.

The sources said the popular child tax credit is likely to be extended for an additional year. Many Democrats had pushed the proposals to reduce poverty and remove financial barriers to higher education and vocational training.

Biden and Democratic congressional leaders are working feverishly to reach a deal. But the talks remain fluid as the party works to narrow the bill to a version that can become law.

Another big priority — a sweeping climate measure known as the Clean Energy Performance Program — is also likely to be curtailed in the spending bill. However, congressional sources said Tuesday that while the climate proposals will be scaled back, there will be a focus on clean renewable energy. Two sources familiar with the negotiations also said lawmakers are considering shortening paid leave in the bill, potentially from 12 weeks to four.