Sen. Joe Manchin threatened to block President Biden’s climate change and infrastructure package, unless Republicans have more say in the negotiation process than they did with the coronavirus stimulus project.
Manchin, a moderate West Virginia Democrat who emerged as a decisive vote in the divided Senate, said he would use his position as chairman of the Senate Energy Committee to suspend legislation, unless the Republican Party enters.
“I am not going to do this through reconciliation,” he told “Axios on HBO” in an interview that aired on Sunday. “I’m not going to get an account that completely excludes them before we start trying.”
Senate Democrats used reconciliation, which requires only a simple majority, to approve Biden’s $ 1.9 trillion stimulus plan on Saturday by a 50-49 party vote.
Democrats hold a 50-50 Senate majority in the Senate because Vice President Kamala Harris, as President of the Senate, could break ties.
Asked about Axios if he thinks he could get 10 Republicans on board the infrastructure project to reach the 60 votes needed under normal Senate rules, Manchin said, “Of course, yes.”
Manchin, 73, who delayed the coronavirus stimulus project for hours last week because of his opposition to a $ 15 minimum wage and the extension of unemployment insurance, said he would ensure that the infrastructure bill is paid in full. .
It is estimated to cost between $ 2 trillion and $ 4 trillion
The West Virginia red state senator said he was concerned about the country’s debt levels and “a tremendous and deep recession that could lead to depression if we’re not careful. … We are just getting ready ”.
Manchin said he would support tax increases, including increasing the corporate tax rate from 21% to 25%, and the repeal of “many” tax cuts for the wealthy approved under former President Donald Trump to pay for this.
In an interview with NBC News ‘Meet the Press’ on Sunday, Manchin said he opposed the end of the obstruction because it would end bipartisan cooperation and would like to make it more “painful” when used.
“If you want to make things a little more painful, make him stand there and talk,” said Manchin. “I am willing to look in any way we can, but I am not willing to take away the minority’s involvement.”
Obstruction requires a margin of 60 votes to end the debate on a bill and proceed to a vote.
He warned Democrats to be careful about how they exercise majority rule.
“I would say that to my friends. You have power … don’t abuse it. And that is exactly what you will do if you dismiss the obstructionist, ”he said.