Topline
On Thursday, Sen. Joe Manchin (D.W.Va.), stated that he supports a $1.5 trillion price tag on Democrats' budget reconciliation bill. This spending package is focused on social programs and puts him out of step to progressives who are trying to sabotage a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill Manchin strongly backs.
WASHINGTON DC - 30 SEPT. Senator Joe Manchin (D.W.Va.) speaks to reporters from outside the U.S. Capitol on September 30, 2021, Washington, DC. To avoid a shutdown of the government, the Senate is expected to pass a temporary spending bill. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images). Getty Images
The Key Facts
Manchin stated that he had communicated the figure to Sen. Kyrsten (D-Ariz.), and the White House in recent weeks. The White House supports spending $3.5 trillion. Manchin stated that he didn't include left-wing members in his proposal, despite House progressives warning him against crashing a bipartisan infrastructure bill. The bill is due to be voted on Thursday without a reconciliation agreement. Senator Chris Murphy (D.Conn.), a progressive senator said he wanted to examine the details of Manchin's proposal, but that he was not surprised by the number. This despite House progressives threatening to sink a bipartisan infrastructure bill set to be voted on Thursday unless there is a reconciliation bill.
Important Background
Sinema and Manchin, who are the main defenders of $3.5 trillion in spending, have a large power base to block Democrats agenda in a Senate that is evenly divided along party lines. The reconciliation package can be passed with 51 votes, rather than the 60 required to defeat a filibuster. While the reconciliation package is focused on social programs such as Medicare and Child Tax Credit, the bipartisan bill focuses on core infrastructure such roads, bridges, and public transit.
Chief Critic
There is no number. I don't have a number. Jayapal said that he told you this, but it is not what ultimately will be the package when questioned about Manchin's proposal.
