On Friday, the dispute between Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont (Democratic) and moderate Democratic Senator Joe Manchin (Democratic) over a multitrillion dollar reconciliation package reached boiling point when Sanders wrote an opinion article for a prominent newspaper in Manchin’s home state.
Sanders wrote for Charleston Gazette-Mail about the implications of the legislation. This is significant for President Joe Biden and base Democratic voters, who have long pleaded for solutions to issues such as access to higher education, rising childcare costs, and other pressing concerns.
Sanders wrote that "This reconciliation bill has been opposed by every Republican in Congress, as well as the drug and insurance companies, as well as the fossil fuel industry, the billionaire class, and the drug companies." They want to keep the status quo, in which the very wealthy get richer and ordinary Americans struggle to make ends meets.
Manchin refused to support the Democratic-led infrastructure bill that would have been more robust. Party leaders had envisioned it in the $3.5 trillion range. Manchin demanded that the bill be reduced to $1.5 trillion.
The senator stated in a Friday statement that "this isn't just the first time an outsider has tried to advise West Virginians about what is best for them" "Congress should exercise caution in any further spending, and I will not vote to expand government programs recklessly," he said. This will not be changed by an op-ed written by an Independent socialist.
Sanders explained in the op-ed that the bill was intended to help working-class Americans who have been often left behind by the government.
Sanders wrote that the Build Back Better plan was not only vitally essential for seniors but also for working families and their kids. We have reduced childhood poverty by half thanks to the $300 direct payments made to parents of working class families that began under the American Rescue Plan. It would be absurd to end these payments, but that is exactly what will happen if this bill is not passed.
He said, "I believe now is the right time for Congress to stand up to working families and have courage to take on big money interests, wealthy campaign contributors, who have such power over the political and economic life of our country."
Sanders called out Sen. Kyrsten Silena of Arizona and Senator Manchin as the last remaining opponents to a bill that progressives believe would transform the country.
He wrote, "Poll after Poll shows overwhelming support for the legislation." "But, in a 50-50 Senate, we need every Democratic senator voting 'yes'. Now, we have 48. Only 48 Democratic senators are still in opposition, including Senator Joe Manchin.
Democrats can't afford to let their infrastructure bill slip through the reconciliation process. This would allow them to avoid the 60 vote threshold that is normally required to stop debate and pass legislation.
Sinema and Manchin aren't happy with the current spending levels and have requested cuts. Party leaders, however, hope to pass a larger reconciliation measure and advance the bipartisan $1.2 billion infrastructure bill through Congress. Although the Senate has already approved the bipartisan bill by majority vote, progressives insist that they be passed simultaneously. However, more centrist Democrats are urging the party to first pass the smaller bill, and then move on to the larger package.
Sanders, who is the chair of the powerful Senate Budget Committee has become more vocal about his concerns with Manchin's position in recent weeks. He stated that "it's just not good enough for you to be vague."
