Biden builds bridges, Cuomo hits the road

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VIEW IN BROWSER | SUBSCRIBE TUE, AUG 10, 2021 CNBC POLITICS EDITOR'S NOTE Hello,   Today may end up one of the most pivotal days in the history of the Democratic Party.    On one hand, President Biden pulled off something that seemed impossible in Washington, D.C., today. He got a bipartisan infrastructure bill passed to fix up the nation's roads and bridges, with nearly 20 GOP votes, to boot.   The bill, which includes $500 billion in new spending and no corporate tax hikes. came up short of what progressive Democrats sought. It could still run into some resistance among lefties in the House, too. But Biden and his party overall are optimistic. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could well end up with enough Republican votes to offset any disgruntled Dems who vote no.   Then, just after the Senate passed the infrastructure bill, New York Gov Andrew Cuomo, drowning in a sexual harassment scandal and several potential criminal probes, stepped to the microphone.   And he quit.   Cuomo apologized to his accusers, admitted that he acted inappropriately toward them, but still nonetheless denied that he had sexually harassed them. For a minute, it looked like he would keep fighting to stay in office, despite an impeachment probe that was gathering steam. Then he shifted gears and said he would resign, effective in two weeks, for the good of the state.   Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will take over after Cuomo departs. She will be the state's first female governor. And she will likely be in the mix for next year's gubernatorial election. State Attorney General Letitia James, whose report on Cuomo led to the three-term governor's demise, is also expected to be a contender.   "I thank Governor Cuomo for his contributions to our state," James said after the governor called it quits. "The ascension of our Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul, will help New York enter a new day."   Back in D.C., turned out to be an especially good day for Chuck Schumer.   The Senate's top Democrat is up for re-election next year in New York. There were worries among mainstream Democrats that he might have faced a strong progressive challenge in a primary. But he scored a big win by ushering through the infrastructure bill while moving immediately to the much bigger (and more progressive-friendly) $3.5 trillion "human infrastructure" plan that will focus on health care, poverty and climate change.   Now, unless there's a shocking turnaround, he probably won't have to worry about running in the same election cycle as Cuomo, who was going to seek a fourth term next year.   "There is no place for sexual harassment, and today's announcement by Governor Cuomo to resign was the right decision for the good of the people of New York," Schumer said.   But could the ghost of Cuomo still haunt Schumer and the party? As the old New York State Lottery slogan goes, "Hey, ya never know."   Thanks for reading CNBC Politics.   Thoughts? Tips? Email us at CNBCPolitics@nbcuni.com.   Have friends or colleagues who might like this newsletter? They can sign up here.  Mike Calia @Michael_Calia KEY STORIES  Senate passes $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill as Democrats move ahead with economic plan Senate passage will be a major step for Democrats as they try to push through a sprawling economic agenda. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigns over sexual harassment scandal, will leave office in 2 weeks Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned after 11 women said he sexually harassed him. The Democrat is in his third term. Biden's personal touch and GOP retirements: How the bipartisan infrastructure bill beat the odds President Biden's decades of experience in the Senate and his faith in compromise were rewarded when the infrastructure bill passed the Senate. Here's what's next for the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill The $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill the Senate passed goes to the House, where it faces new hurdles, including progressive Democrats. Biden says Afghans 'must fight for themselves' as Taliban advances, does not regret U.S. withdrawal President Joe Biden called on Afghans to "fight for their nation" as the Taliban makes rapid advances on the battlefield, seizing provincial capitals. Elizabeth Warren wants the $3.5 trillion budget plan to help the IRS target 'wealthy tax cheats' Sen. Elizabeth Warren said revitalizing the IRS budget would allow it to "go after wealthy tax cheats." How the $1 trillion infrastructure bill will direct billions toward tech spending The bill includes funding for broadband access programs, electric vehicle charging stations and cybersecurity. California Gov. Gavin Newsom faces greater-than-expected threat in upcoming recall election California Gov. Gavin Newsom may face more of an uphill battle in the upcoming recall election than initially expected.  Kathy Hochul to become New York's first female governor, replacing Andrew Cuomo after resignation Kathy Hochul, New York's Lieutenant Governor, was catapulted into the national spotlight Tuesday when Gov. Andrew Cuomo abruptly announced his resignation amid a growing sexual harassment scandal. Eric Adams privately signals he's open to building relationship with Amazon, tech giants if he becomes NY mayor Democratic nominee for New York mayor Eric Adams is privately signaling he's open to working with Amazon and other tech giants if he wins this fall.     Unsubscribe Manage Newsletters Terms of Service Join the CNBC Panel Digital Products Feedback Privacy Policy   © 2021 CNBC LLC. All rights reserved. A property of NBCUniversal. 900 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. 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