By John Kanelis / johnkanelis_92@hotmail.com

Someone will have to explain to me in simple terms just why the Republican caucus in Congress is so adamant in opposing the family portion of President Biden’s infrastructure relief package.

Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell has declared that the acceptable price tag for an infrastructure bill has increased to $800 billion, which is up from the $568 billion price tag proposed initially by the GOP.  But he wants any legislation to focus on roads, bridges, rail lines … you know, the “traditional” infrastructure items.

McConnell ups acceptable price tag for infrastructure package (msn.com)

Biden wants to expand the definition of infrastructure to include benefits for families. Providing health care. Waiving the cost of attending community college. Raising the minimum wage.

Why is that such a terrible thing in the eyes of Republicans?

Surely they cannot believe that the government has no role to play here. Or can they?

Biden is set to meet with congressional leaders on Wednesday. It’ll be a bipartisan affair. The president will get to employ his formidable negotiating skills and perhaps parlay his relationships with the likes of McConnell into some form of compromise.

He needs to start with putting the GOP leadership on the record about whether they want to help families. Or do they want to kick them aside in favor of fixing potholes?

I happen to believe we need to go bigger rather than smaller.