Biden is very concerned about this.
With the midterms fast approaching, getting Senator Joe Manchin’s (D-W.Va) vote for President Joe Biden’s social spending plan, Build Back Better, is the Senate’s only hope.
But, the West Virginia Democrat has — once again — expressed his disinterest in joining his colleagues to pass the bill.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Manchin said, “There’s not a Build Back Better revival. There’s not.”
The moderate Senator then mentioned that it would be best for legislation dealing with “major social changes” like Build Back Better — which targets clean energy projects, free preschool, and health care — should go through the Senate process to “build consensus.”
He continued stating that reconciliation should only be pursued “because you got a great piece of legislation, but people are playing politics with it,” adding that the Senate hasn’t “had hearings on any of these things.”
Manchin’s recent comments don’t inspire hope that the Democratic caucus can sway him to be the vote they need to get the bill passed in the 50-50 Senate.
The bill, passed by the House in November, stalled in the Senate when neither Manchin nor Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-Az.) would support the $2 trillion spending bill and efforts to pass a pared-down version failed miserably.
But now, on the back of a spring break recess, environmental lobbyists and progressives are calling for BBB to get a second look and pursue getting something past in the Senate before the midterms.
Lawmakers are also eager, viewing July 4 as the deadline to get something passed in the Senate before midterm season kicks into gear.
According to White House officials, speaking to the Washington Post, “real fear” has kicked in among Dems who are concerned they will fail to reach a deal with Manchin.
