I'm often at odds with Joe but he's coming through on this one.

Sen. Joe Manchin, the maverick Democrat from West Virginia who finds himself increasingly at odds with his own party's leadership, is roiling President Biden's plan to secure a quick win on a $3.5 trillion spending plan by calling for Congress to "hit the pause button" on liberals' top agenda item in Washington.


Manchin first made the remarks earlier this week at a West Virginia Chamber of Commerce event, citing all "the country is facing" right now, like "runaway inflation," the coronavirus resurgence and the bungled Afghan war exit.

"I would ask my colleagues and all of the Senate to hit the pause button on the $3.5 [trillion]," Manchin said Wednesday. "Let's sit back. Let's see what happens. We have so much on our plate. We really have an awful lot. I think that would be the prudent, wise thing to do."

He acknowledged the likely tension his position might create with his party, which controls the Senate by a single vote.

"I know they're going to go nuts right now because what I said is going to all my caucus in Washington," he said. "But I'm thinking of it from the standpoint of where we are as a nation today.

https://justthenews.com/govern..._campaign=newsletter"

I was one who early on said Manchin would not do the right thing when it came to legislation like this. I said he would always go along with his party if his was the deciding vote. I couldn't be happier to be wrong about that. Hopefully he'll hold that position.

Manchin seems to be one of the very few democrats that actually support the will of the people and wants to see cooperation across the aisle. I think he also recognizes this bill for what it is- ridiculous spending that will further destabilize the country. He is coming under heavy fire from DemocRATS and minor protestors alike. I believe he will hold the course; is it because we are a heavily red state? Or because he actually cares? I don't care which as long as he continues.

Sen. Manchin is also not dumb enough to ignore polls and public sentiment. Wont take much from his party to end his career. Whatever his actual reasons, I'm glad he said what he said.

I sure hope he sticks to his guns.

...unlike the nine "moderate" Demokrat house members who let Herr Pelosi talk them into voting for the bill.

After Speaker Nancy Pelosi convinced the dissenting lawmakers to vote in favor, the budget was passed in a 220-212 vote, with all Republicans opposing the measure and all Democrats voting in favor.

Compelte article:

https://www.treehugger.com/us-...-legislation-5199109

quote:

Originally posted by alteon180e:
Sen. Manchin is also not dumb enough to ignore polls and public sentiment. Wont take much from his party to end his career.

That makes me wonder. If Manchin were to 'cross the aisle', would he be as electable in his district? That may be why the Dims don't destroy him.

Dang it! I had Joe Manchin is lying opportunistic crap weasel politician instead of principled statesman on my political bingo card this week.

He'll fold.

He's a career politician, which means that he's as morally flexible as a contortionist pole-dancing stripper is physically flexible. He will do whatever he needs to do to retain his seat. If he deems the wrath of the Party to be a be a bigger threat than the memory span of the voters, he will fall right into the party line.

He's been allowed "no" votes when his Dem overlords agreed that his vote wouldn't endanger actual passage, if it would gain him support from actual moderates in the state for making such a brave, principled stand on an issue. WV is largely D only because of memories of the "coal wars" and knee-jerk association of Republicans to the rich mine owners of old, not because of voter affinity for current Dem positions.

Here's Joe's canned reply.

Thank you for contacting me and sharing your perspective on the $3.5 trillion budget resolution that recently passed Congress along party lines. While I did vote yes on a procedural motion to move forward the budget reconciliation process because I believe it is important to discuss the fiscal policy future of this country, I have serious concerns about the grave consequences facing West Virginians and every American family if Congress decides to spend another $3.5 trillion.

Over the past year, Congress has injected more than $5 trillion of stimulus into the American economy – more than any time since World War II – to respond to the pandemic. The challenge we now face is different: millions of jobs remain unfilled across the country and rising inflation rates are now an unavoidable tax on the wages and income of every American. These are not indications of an economy that requires trillions in additional spending. Every elected leader is chosen to make difficult decisions. Adding trillions of dollars more to nearly $29 trillion of national debt, without any consideration of the negative effects on our children and grandchildren, is one of those decisions that has become far too easy in Washington.

Given the current state of the economic recovery, it is simply irresponsible to continue spending at levels more suited to respond to a Great Depression or Great Recession – not an economy that is on the verge of overheating. More importantly, I firmly believe that continuing to spend at irresponsible levels puts at risk our nation’s ability to respond to the unforeseen crises our country could face. I have and will continue to urge my colleagues to seriously consider this reality as this budget process unfolds in the coming weeks and months.

Again, thank you for taking the time to add your voice to this important discussion. If I may be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Joe best remember we ‘eers vote red. Lyin’ Joe will keep his job if he steps up.

Give him time. He’ll disappoint you eventually

quote:

Originally posted by BGULL:
Dang it! I had Joe Manchin is lying opportunistic crap weasel politician instead of principled statesman on my political bingo card this week.