(USNewsBreak.com) – On December 19, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) made a shocking announcement that sent Congress into a tailspin. The moderate Democrat does not plan to show support for President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better plan. Republicans are understandably thrilled; Democrats are utterly incensed.
The Announcement
During Fox News Sunday, Senator Manchin clarified his intention to vote against the Build Back Better Act currently making its way through Congress. Earlier in the day, the West Virginian leader released a statement citing deep concerns about the negative impact the legislation might have on the American people.
Manchin ultimately feels those supporting the bill are hiding the reality of what it will cost to implement the legislation. He worries that such an expensive fund might leave the US vulnerable to threats from other nations like China and Russia.
Manchin has expressed reluctance to add to the national debt. He thinks doing so stands to worsen the ever-present risk of inflation.
Senator Manchin also said the bill is no good for West Virginians; he has to do what is right for the voters in that state. In his eyes, voting “no” is just another part of his job.
Manchin claims he tried to find reasons to support the contentious and hotly-debated Build Back Better Act but ultimately couldn’t agree with its hefty price tag. The legislation was simply too costly to sustain in the current economy.
Democrats Express Displeasure
As an essential part of the Biden Administration’s agenda, the Build Back Better Act has substantial support from most Congressional Democrats. Yet, it is all but dead in the water without Manchin’s support.
That hasn’t stopped a number of Liberal representatives from pushing for a vote. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), for instance, said he wants to force Manchin to give his opinion on the floor. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-NY) also wants to push the matter forward, using the incident to call for major changes in the Senate.
Ocasio-Cortez implored President Biden to use his power to push the bill through Congress, regardless of Manchin’s opinion. She says the commander-in-chief must find another pathway if people refuse to play ball. AOC wants Manchin to face the consequences of voting against his own party, suggesting he misled Biden and other party leaders about his intentions.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki also attacked Senator Manchin in a statement on December 19. She feels his announcement contrasts statements made during prior talks with Biden on the subject. Psaki claims Manchin had already committed to supporting the Build Back Better Act, and thus, his reasons for refusing to now are baseless.
Republicans Rally
Many Republicans see the stalling of the Build Back Better Act as a win; they’ve deeply opposed the legislation from day one. Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) feels that Manchin’s decision to stand against it further proves that the liberal agenda has a deeply negative impact on working Americans. He wants Manchin to get credit for following constituents’ demands rather than bowing to his own party’s preferences.
Meanwhile, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) spoke of the massive spending associated with the passing of Biden’s Build Back Better Act. He praised Manchin’s ability to recognize that it would not be in the country’s best interests.
Manchin has the right to vote against Build Back Better regardless of whether Democrats try to frame him as a traitor for following his heart. With no feasible path forward, they’re forced to try and push the agenda forward in other ways. Could watching the price tag and being more frugal be a good place to start?
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