Manchin promises to persistently battle Biden over Inflation Reduction Act’s first year
Sen. Joe Manchin: Walking a Delicate Line on the Inflation Reduction Act
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) finds himself in a precarious position as the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act approaches. While he helped author the bill, he has since threatened to join Republicans in repealing it.
Like other Democrats commemorating the anniversary, Manchin praises the legislation as ”one of the most historic pieces of legislation passed in decades.” He highlights its benefits, such as the $35 cap on insulin for seniors and funding for a black lung disability trust. However, he criticizes Republicans for playing “political games” with a bill that aims to support low- and middle-income families.
Opposition to the Biden Administration’s Energy Provisions
Despite his initial support for the Inflation Reduction Act, Manchin expresses dissatisfaction with the way the Biden administration has implemented its energy provisions. He vows to oppose what he sees as the president’s “radical climate agenda.”
In a statement, Manchin asserts, “Make no mistake, the IRA is exactly the kind of legislation that in normal political times both political parties would proudly embrace because it is about putting the interests of Americans and West Virginians first. Going forward, I will push back on those who seek to undermine this significant legislation for their respective political agenda, and that begins with my unrelenting fight against the Biden administration’s efforts to implement the IRA as a radical climate agenda instead of implementing the IRA that was passed into law.”
Manchin’s Role in the Inflation Reduction Act
As the decisive vote on the Inflation Reduction Act, Manchin played a crucial role in passing this comprehensive tax, climate, and healthcare bill. Despite being a conservative Democrat and a thorn in President Joe Biden’s side, he initially opposed the Build Back Better plan. However, he eventually agreed to support the pared-down Inflation Reduction Act in exchange for a deal on energy permitting reform.
Disagreements with the Biden Administration
Manchin has been engaged in a protracted battle with President Biden over the administration’s preference for clean energy over the “all-of-the-above” energy strategy prescribed by the law. As the chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, he has placed a hold on all Environmental Protection Agency nominees since May due to a Biden rule on power plant emissions. He also declined an invitation to attend a White House event celebrating the law’s passage.
Attacks and Uncertain Future
Despite his criticisms, Manchin has not been shielded from attacks over his support for the Inflation Reduction Act. The McConnell-aligned nonprofit organization One Nation launched a significant ad campaign, highlighting his “pivotal role” in “writing President Biden’s green energy scheme.”
Considered one of the most vulnerable Democrats up for reelection in 2024, Manchin has not confirmed whether he will run for another term in the Senate. He has even left the door open to potentially challenging Biden for president as a third-party candidate.
Leaving the Democratic Party?
Earlier this month, Manchin floated the possibility of leaving the Democratic Party to become an independent. He denounced the extremes on both sides of the aisle and called for elected leaders to prioritize the goal of the legislation — helping hard-working families and building a better, stronger, and more secure nation.
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