WASHINGTON — Democrats are on the verge of pushing forward a smaller version of President Biden’s Build Back Better plan in the Senate after the previous version stalled due to a lack of support from centrist Democrats like Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.
Now it appears Manchin and Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) have come to an accord on a plan geared towards inflation relief which would raise taxes on the wealthy and large corporations, as well as create new spending on climate and energy initiatives. It also includes healthcare spending.
“Simply put, the bill will lower health care costs for millions of Americans,” said President Biden. “And it will be the most important investment — not a hyperbole — the most important investment that we’ve ever made in our energy security.”
Sen. Mike Braun (R) of Indiana believes the bill is “swampy.”
“This is a climate spending bill, $369 billion,” Braun told Fox Business. “$69 billion on ACA premium subsidies. Typical DC swampy politics where you make it look like something is happening. This looks like it’s going to be an inflationary net out. Hopefully, Sinema can flesh it out.”
Braun refers to Arizona Democrat Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who like Manchin is a centrist Democrat. She has not said yet if she will vote in favor of the plan, which puts the very future of this bill in question.
“Look at the agenda the Democrats are playing with this November trying to defend it,” Braun said. “This is an attempt to reign in Manchin and get Sinema to come along.”
Before the bill can proceed to debate it must go through the scrutiny of the Senate parliamentarian who will decide which parts of the bill can and cannot be passed through the process of budget reconciliation. That process allows certain bill’s to bypass the Senate filibuster requiring 60 “yes” votes to be moved out of debate.
Both Manchin and Sinema are up for reelection in 2024.
