Democratic Senator Joe Manchin announced on Sunday that he refused to support “Build Back Better”, a bill providing for social spending of $ 2 trillion, which jeopardizes this important social reform championed by President Joe Biden .
In particular, the plan provides for kindergarten for all, tax credits for American households and substantial investments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Mr Manchin said on Fox Network that he had always been clear in expressing doubts about the bill. After more than five months of negotiations and discussions, he said he could not vote for this legislation.
The West Virginia senator explains that several factors, such as persistent inflation, growing debt or the Omicron variant, prevent him from voting for this “elephantine” bill.
“When you look at the current outlook… I’ve always said that if I can’t explain my support to the people of West Virginia then I can’t vote for this bill,” he commented. I have done everything I can do, but I cannot support it. It is a refusal. “
President Biden had acknowledged last week that negotiations over his bill would continue early in the next year. He then said that Joe Manchin had reiterated his support for the legislative framework proposed by the White House and certain other Democratic senators.
Manchin said on Sunday that was the president’s opinion, not his.
As was to be expected, Mr. Manchin’s announcement greatly displeased the White House.
“We will continue to speak with him to see if he will once again change his decision to be true to his previous commitments. “