(PresidentialInsider.com)- While Joe Manchin made it clear over the weekend that he would not vote for the current version of the garbage “Build Back Better” bill, according to Politico, he is still willing to reach a negotiated agreement to move the bill forward provided Democrats are willing to redo the bill.
In an interview with a West Virginia radio station on Monday, Manchin said the only reason he voted to use reconciliation on Build Back Better was to have an opportunity to “fix the taxes so everybody paid their fair share.” He wants the Democrats to start over, this time having legislation go through Senate committees to examine the economic impact and focus on rolling back the tax cuts signed into law by President Trump in 2017.
Manchin said the only chance Democrats have for success is to put the legislation through Senate committees, arguing that the bill has to go through the standard process.
Manchin’s other demand is that Democrats stop trying to force him to bend to their will. Responding to the blowback that erupted Sunday after he announced he wouldn’t vote for the bill, Manchin said the Democrats who are badgering him aren’t from West Virginia and they are mistaken in thinking they can “just beat the living crap out of people and think they’ll be submissive.”
When Democrats forced through the $1.9 trillion “COVID Relief” package earlier this year, Manchin had advised them to put the legislation through committee, but party leaders refused. Manchin explained that he wouldn’t let that happen again.
Manchin argued that legislation that seeks to make major policy changes and changes to society should have to go through the proper process. While the House did hold committee hearings on Build Back Better, Manchin explained, the Senate has not.
As it is, it is unlikely Manchin’s offer will be accepted.
On Monday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sent a letter to Democrats saying he will put the monstrous bill up for a floor vote in January. Schumer said the Senate would vote on the bill “and we will keep voting” until they get something passed.
It seems a risky move to make given Manchin’s position. Schumer would need every Democrat vote to get something passed. And between the constant attacks and Schumer’s obstinance, Manchin is not likely to go along.
