Biden reports progress after 6 months in office

U.S. President Joe Biden hosted his first full Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, and his first in the Cabinet Room, marking six months in office.

"The bottom line is we’re delivering on our promises," Biden said.

Thanking members of his Cabinet, Biden said "there’s much more to be done and so much more to do" on his agenda.

The president offered a progress report on the state of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, with growing concerns over the Delta variant, and continued pushing for his bipartisan infrastructure deal.

Biden said his infrastructure and families agenda must be passed to sustain economic momentum. Overall, he is seeking more than $4 trillion in new domestic outlays.

"I think we’re on the cusp of not only getting us out of the hole, but setting us on a path that’s going to generate significant continued economic growth. And the American people are overwhelmingly supportive of our plans," Biden said.

The bipartisan infrastructure agreement senators brokered with Biden appears to be hanging by a thread. Senators are struggling to reach a compromise over how to pay for nearly $1 trillion in public works spending.

Tensions are rising as Republicans prepare to block Wednesday’s procedural vote with a filibuster, saying they need more time. Restless Democrats say it’s time to at least start debate as talks continue.