What is the need? There is no timetable. It is impossible to comprehend it, Manchin stated in an interview as he walked towards his office on Thursday. I don't think there is anything that runs out. We have good nutrition for our children and many things are covered [into] next years.
It seems unlikely that a bicameral agreement on reconciliation will be reached before Monday's House vote on bipartisan infrastructure legislation. Democrats require all 50 members of the Senate to vote in favor of a bill. This allows Manchin to control the pace for a bill that will raise taxes on the rich, expand child care and fight climate change, and increase education access.
Despite the fact that the West Virginian is slow to react, Democrats are still hopeful that Biden's agenda will not be scuppered by warring liberals and moderates about the legislation's size and scope. Manchin appears to be a person who is more focused on getting the reconciliation bill passed than fighting to stop it.
Joe is not impossible to work with, but I do think he's fiscally prudent. Senator Jon Tester (D.Mont.) said that $3.5 trillion is too much money and it shakes his soul. We can all be happy. We can be tickled but still happy.
Already there are subtle signs that Biden is moving in the right direction. Manchin admits that his suggestion of a strategic pause was not well received by his colleagues. He understands that he and the 49 other senators in Democratic Caucus must continue moving forward, even though the pace frustrates anyone looking for quick action.
Ive always said pause. This is a huge thing, I thought. Manchin stated that they are not looking for a stop or a pause right now. Although I don't know the timeframe, I want to be able to comprehend it now before I do anything.
During the interview, Manchin was also confronted during his interview by an activist who asked for Manchin's vote on reconciliation. Manchin was not willing to commit but was encouraged by the polite approach of the activists, who said, "See?" Positive. Positive. Manchin was encouraged by a shirtless man earlier in the month to not go bankrupt.
Manchin has been the focus of intense lobbying from his Senate leadership colleagues and during two meetings with Biden in the recent days. He claims most of it will not be effective, while Democrats privately complain that Manchin is delaying negotiations.
Dick Durbin, Senate Majority Whip (D-Ill.), isn't actively whipping Manchin, but Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, has made a point to praise the West Virginia Democrat for his voting rights work.
Everyone knows me quite well. Manchin stated that my mind is mine and not theirs. I don't believe I can do anything to change their minds. Bernie Sanders is sincere. He has a very social mindset. He is who he really is. I hope hell respects me. I'm not even close.
While some of his colleagues believe Manchin could strike a deal within the next week, others think it is a pipedream. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), said that he didn't know if he could come to an agreement with Manchin within the next few days.
It would be surprising if he made a deal to allow him to do that this fall, stated Sen. John Cornyn (R.Texas). He has been consistent.
Manchin is known for being open-minded and noncommittal, but not afraid to move forward. He doesn't like being nailed down to the hour of the election. In an interview, the coal state senator raised concerns about the party's pursuit of clean energy technology. He stated that he was concerned about future energy reliability.
Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), a Republican who has been aligned with Manchin often, has given Democrats more to do business with than Manchin. According to the Arizona Republic, she supports climate provisions Manchin doesn't like.
Unidentified Democratic senator said Sinema and Manchin "take almost opposite" approaches to the Democrats' social spending plan. However, they are still the most stubborn defenders.
Kyrsten acknowledges that there is a timeline and there has to be a process. However, Manchin approaches it from a values perspective first. He said that he would support this or this, but not in this manner or at this time. "
Still, Senator Mazie Hirono (D–Hawaii), said that both senators should provide more information.
I'd like Joe and Kyrsten to recognize the problems in the American Families Plan. I also want them to support the areas they do not like. Hirono stated that we could then discuss how much should be allocated to these program areas.
Despite Manchin's concerns about the social spending package, Democrats expect hell to eventually get on board. This is based on his vote this spring in favor of the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief program and his recent work on ethics reform and elections. Manchin stated that he would not support the Democrats signature election bill, but he did write an opinion piece explaining his concerns. The West Virginian then worked with Democratic senators on an intraparty compromise.
We don't like artificial deadlines, and he doesn't make decisions before he has to, stated Sen. Tim Kaine (D.Va.), who collaborated with Manchin regarding voting rights. He is always there for us when we need him. It would be a surprise if it were different this time.
