Dec 20th, 2pmEST.
The backlash against Sen. Joe Manchin for delivering what appeared to be a fatal blow to President Joe Biden's proposed $2 trillion social spending package is not going to stop top Democrats from pushing for the legislation.
Nancy Pelosi spoke at a news conference at the Democratic National Committee. The photo was taken by Mandel NGAN/AFP.
The images are from the same source.
In an interview with Fox News, Manchin said he couldn't support the spending package after months of negotiations.
The bill will be impossible to pass in its current form because of Manchin's position.
The White House press secretary said Monday the Biden Administration plans to work like hell to advance the legislation after it was reported that Biden and Manchin spoke on a call Sunday night.
Pelosi told reporters that she has confidence that Manchin cares about her.
Pelosi did not offer details on specific steps Democrats hope to take, but set a goal in a statement Sunday to "soon reach agreement so that this vital legislation can pass as soon as possible next year."
The best option for the Democrats now is for Biden to try to get some of the proposal done through executive action, according to Rep. Pramila Jayapal.
I have tried everything possible. Manchin told Fox News he couldn't get there.
The key background.
The White House has insisted that the bill won't contribute to the national debt or fuel inflation, even though Manchin has long been leery about the bill's cost. The child tax credit, which was authorized in an earlier Covid relief package, paying out $3,000 a year for each child over the age of six and $3,600 for each child under six to most families, was the key holdup between Manchin and fellow Democrats. Manchin made a counteroffer to the White House last week that did not include the child tax credit, but did include funding of universal pre-k and hundreds of billions of dollars to fight climate change, according to the Washington Post. The child tax credit is one of the great poverty-easing social programs in U.S. history, but Manchin had concerns that parents might use the money to buy drugs.
What to watch for.
Many fellow Democrats are hostile towards Manchin and that has made him think about leaving the party. In the past, Manchin has shot down rumors that he was planning to leave, but on Monday he seemed to leave a bit more room for thought about his future. When asked if he had a future in the party, Manchin said "I would like to hope there is still Democrats that feel like I do." "If there are no Democrats like that, they should push me where they want me," Manchin said.
Manchin says he won't support build back better.
Manchin Demands Progressives Pass Infrastructure Package, But Declines Support for Spending Bill.
Manchin included pre-k, climate money, but excluded child benefit in his private offer to Biden.
Manchin was concerned that parents would use child tax credit checks to buy drugs.
Manchin Slams Report that he is planning to leave the Democratic Party.
