Biden concedes Build Back Better plan likely won't pass before Christmas deadline

President Joe Biden conceded Congress will likely not pass a $1.85 trillion social welfare and green energy bill that is central to his administration's agenda this year.

"I had a productive call with Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Schumer earlier today," Biden said in a White House statement Thursday. "I briefed them on the most recent discussions that my staff and I have held with Sen. [Joe] Manchin about Build Back Better."

Manchin, a West Virginia centrist Democrat, "has reiterated his support for Build Back Better funding at the level of the framework plan I announced in September. I believe that we will bridge our differences and advance the Build Back Better plan, even in the face of fierce Republican opposition," Biden added.

"My team and I are having ongoing discussions with Sen. Manchin. That work will continue next week. It takes time to finalize these agreements, prepare the legislative changes, and finish all the parliamentary and procedural steps needs to enable a Senate vote," Biden continued. "We will advance this work together over the days and weeks ahead. Leader Schumer and I are determined to see the bill successfully on the floor as early as possible."