'The executive branch doesn't write the bills': Democratic senator scolds Biden adviser over climate question

Gina McCarthy, President Biden's climate adviser, told Politico on Tuesday that some proposals to fight climate change could wind up falling out of the White House's massive infrastructure proposal as the administration tries to reach some sort of agreement with Republican senators.

While she said Biden does still want to fight for the policies, including a clean electricity standard, the acknowledgment of possible concessions didn't appear to sit well with Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), who strongly suggested he would fight back if McCarthy's words became reality. Schatz kept things simple in his response, tweeting a "gentle, friendly reminder" that Congress, not the White House ultimately pens the legislation.

Journalists took note of the remark, which raises the question of whether Biden's efforts to reel in some GOP support could simultaneously create some sticking points in his own party.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up