Progressive Democrats test-drive new hardball tactics

WASHINGTON — Progressive Democrats have never been shy about fighting for what they want.

But their aggressive tactics in the recent fight over a massive social safety-net package surprised many in their own party, raising questions about whether the tougher stance was an anomaly or a sign of battles to come.

Emboldened by Democrats' narrow control of the House and Senate, the 95-member Congressional Progressive Caucus for nearly two months delayed passage of a bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure bill — not because they opposed it, but to use as leverage in negotiations with moderates over a separate, larger spending package to address health care, child care and climate change.

In the process, they repeatedly stalled President Biden's legislative agenda and defied House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who wanted to see the