Divided Democrats to meet with Biden on gridlocked spending deal

A group of centrist and liberal Senate Democrats will huddle at the White House with President Joe Biden on Wednesday to try to overcome intraparty differences on the scope and cost of a spending bill. 

The list of attendees includes centrist Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, who represent the biggest hurdle in the quest to pass a $3.5 trillion social welfare spending package.

Liberals include Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent and socialist who opposes lowering the cost of the bill.

The meeting comes at a critical time for Democrats and the president.