Dan Quayle: 'Very difficult' for Democrats to pass Biden spending bill this year

Former U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle said it will be "very difficult" for Democrats to pass President Joe Biden's $2 trillion budget reconciliation bill this year, as the country grapples with record inflation.

The House passed its version, and Senate Democrats are currently negotiating the contents of the legislation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has set a Christmas deadline for passage of the bill.

Quayle told Just the News that he opposes Biden's Build Back Better Act, which contains new social programs and about $550 billion for climate change initiatives and tax incentives for electric vehicle purchases.

"No, I don't," Quayle said when asked if he thinks Democrats should pass the bill while inflation rises.

"I'm not sure it's going to pass," added Quayle, who was in Washington for former Sen. Bob Dole's memorial service on Friday. "We'll have to wait and see. This year it's going to be very difficult."

Inflation has hit a nearly 40-year high with consumer prices rising 6.8%, according to the latest figures.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates that the $2.4 trillion price tag of Biden's spending bill would double if its policies are made permanent. 

Quayle also discussed the legacy of Dole, who recently passed away at 98. He said today's political leaders could learn from Dole's example.

"You can get things done if you work together, tell the truth, it works," he said. "He was a great man, a great patriot."