Sen. Joe Manchin Blocks Climate & Tax Provisions In Democrats’ Budget Bill

Centrist Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) indicated on Thursday that he will not vote right now in support of the tax and climate sections of the Democrats’ economic package.

He told Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York), who he has been in private negotiations with for months, that he “unequivocally” would not vote in line with his party on the provisions that would raise taxes on some high-earners to raise around $203 billion in the next 10 years to extend Medicare solvency. The statement signals a major turnaround as Manchin voiced support of the provisions throughout negotiations with Schumer.

Manchin blames federal spending for the sky-high inflation rates. June saw numbers jumping by 9.1%, which is the highest level in over 40 years.

“I said, ‘Chuck until we see the July inflation figures, until we see the July, basically Federal Reserve rates, interest rates, then let’s wait till that comes out so we know that we’re going down a path that won’t be inflammatory, to add more to inflation,'” Manchin told Hoppy Kercheval on an appearance on Talkline on Friday. “He says, ‘Are you telling me you won’t do the other right now?’ I said, ‘Chuck, it’s wrong, it’s not prudent to do the other right now.'”

Manchin blames federal spending for the sky-high inflation rates. June saw numbers jumping by 9.1%, which is the highest level in over 40 years.

“All of our efforts should be: How do we reduce the gas prices, the high prices of energy, the high prices of food, all of these things: that’s everyday living. And everyone’s talking about everything except tough things,” Manchin said earlier this week. “Unless you can get your financial house in order, you’re not going to get inflation under control.”

Manchin, however, expressed a willingness to support a deal that would decrease the costs of health care premiums and prescription drugs for two years.

Senate Democrats voiced frustration with Manchin’s decision.

“We have an opportunity to address the climate crisis right now,” New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich (D) wrote on Twitter Friday morning. “Senator Manchin’s refusal to act is infuriating. It makes me question why he’s Chair of ENR.”

We have an opportunity to address the climate crisis right now. Senator Manchin’s refusal to act is infuriating. It makes me question why he’s Chair of ENR.

— Martin Heinrich (@SenatorHeinrich) July 15, 2022

“Political headlines are of no value to the millions of Americans struggling to afford groceries and gas as inflation soars to 9.1%,” Manchin spokesperson Sam Runyon said in a statement. “Senator Manchin believes it’s time for leaders to put political agendas aside, reevaluate and adjust to the economic realities the country faces to avoid taking steps that add fuel to the inflation fire.”