Manchin Calls On Democrats To Hit Pause On The $3.5 Trillion Budget Package

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Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., has called on Democrats to pause the effort to push through a $3.5 trillion budget.





J. Scott Applewhite/AP



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J. Scott Applewhite/AP



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House Narrowly Approves $3.5 Trillion Budget Blueprint

Under the reconciliation process, budget bills can pass the Senate with only a simple majority rather than a 60-vote supermajority. Republicans used the process in 2017 to pass President Trump’s tax bill, facing criticisms from Democrats for pushing through deeply partisan legislation.

«Respectfully, it was wrong when the Republicans did it, and it is wrong now, Manchin wrote.


A Manchin ‘no’ would mean the budget would need GOP support


If Manchin defects, as he has signaled before that he would, Democrats would have to sway at least one Republican to vote for the budget — a tall order in the highly partisan chamber.

«If we want to invest in America, a goal I support, then let’s take the time to get it right and determine what is absolutely necessary, Manchin wrote.

The West Virginia Democrat has often been at odds with more progressive members of his party, and he has emerged as a critical swing vote. Democrats control the 50-50 Senate, with the vice-presidency effectively working as a tie-breaker.


Some House Democrats rail against Manchin’s call


House Democrats, who also hold a slim, but not quite as precarious majority, quickly decried Manchin’s suggestion.

In a tweet, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez referenced the deadly Hurricane Ida that washed ashore in Louisiana before striking deadly blows across the Northeast and Manchin’s coal interests.

Manchin has weekly huddles w/ Exxon & is one of many senators who gives lobbyists their pen to write so-called “bipartisan” fossil fuel bills.

It’s killing people. Our people. At least 12 last night. Sick of this “bipartisan” corruption that masquerades as clear-eyed moderation. https://t.co/KW8w7HUhvT

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) September 2, 2021

Jamaal Bowman of New York also pointed to Hurricane Ida’s destruction and the evidence that climate change is fueling more and deadlier natural disasters.

Hey Joe, these are the homes in my district after last night’s storm.

How much destruction do we need to see before it’s worth investing in our climate? https://t.co/rIEMt7tBPW pic.twitter.com/kWrDmXjFSd

— Jamaal Bowman (@JamaalBowmanNY) September 2, 2021