Senator Joe Manchin. Photo: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin said he “cannot vote to continue with” President Biden’s Build Back Better Act on Sunday, possibly signaling that he is pulling the plug on the massive spending bill.
During an appearance on Fox News Sunday, Manchin said his concerns surrounding both the size and basic shape of the $1.75 trillion economic and climate package remain unresolved. “I cannot vote to continue with this piece of legislation,” the moderate Democratic Senator told host Bret Baier. “I’ve tried everything humanly possible. I can’t get there.” When asked by Baier if he was “done? This is a no?” — Manchin replied: “This is a no on this legislation.
Another one of Manchin’s main sticking points was the inclusion of a one-year extension of the expanded child tax credit in the bill. That child tax credit expansion is particularly relevant to Manchin’s home state: One study found that 346,000 children in West Virginia would be affected if the child tax credit expired, and 50,000 would be at risk of slipping below the poverty line.
At least as written? Uhh, tell him we’re done catering to him. No more negotiations. It’s obvious he did not negotiate in good faith. He doesn’t get to continue this charade.