WASHINGTON (AP). Pivotal Senator Joe Manchin outlined Wednesday the broad contours of a reconfigured social-environment package that aims half of its resources at reducing federal debts. This was just a day after President Joe Biden suggested refocusing on his more ambitious but stalled plan.
Manchin, D-W.Va. whose opposition didomed Biden’s 10-year, roughly 2 trillion-dollar measure in December, didn’t provide any figures or details. He did however briefly describe his ideas to reporters and offered a faint hope that Democrats might revive Biden’s marquee legislative priority in this election year.
Manchin suggested a major restructuring of the legislation, which would make it less favorable for Democratic priorities and leave its prospects uncertain. The entire effort has been met with unanimous Republican opposition. After Manchin claimed before Christmas that his opposition to a House bill he had passed, the Senate was divided.
Manchin said, “If you’re willing to talk, don’t you think that you should get your financial house in order?” I would not negotiate if they aren’t serious about inflation or debt.”
Democrats argued that the House approved bill was mostly paid for. They claimed that it would help families to cope with inflation by providing more federal aid.
Manchin stated that there had been no formal talks over reviving the effort. He also said that he hadn’t discussed his ideas with President Obama. He has been saying for months that the House-approved bill would cause inflation. However, he didn’t explain Wednesday what he meant when he said that the legislation would be used to reduce price increases that have rippled throughout the economy.
Manchin stated that he wanted to increase revenue by raising taxes on the rich, corporations, and by reducing prices for prescription drugs that Medicare pays for its beneficiaries. The tax credits and other incentives that reduce global warming-related pollutants could be used to increase revenue.
All of these were in the Biden backed bill that Manchin stalled in December. The sidelined legislation included initiatives such as enhanced child tax credits and health care subsidies, as well as free pre-school.
Biden suggested a rebranded package of the same package in Tuesday’s State of the Union address, but he did not use any numbers. Biden said the measure would help families to cope with rising expenses. He also stressed that it should limit drug prices, combat climate changes, and help with child-care costs.
Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. (Senate Budget Committee Chairman), a progressive who had clashed with Manchin repeatedly over the bill on social and environment, wouldn’t rule out accepting a smaller package, provided it included achievements like reducing prescription drug costs and child care cost. He was hesitant to accept Manchin’s suggestions.
Last I heard, Mr. Manchin does not run the United States Senate. Our job is to present the legislation that the American people desire. Sanders said that Mr. Manchin can vote “no”.
There were many discussions between senators,” Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer, D.N.Y., stated when asked if Biden’s words had prompted new movement.
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