Senator Joe Manchin said Congress needs more time to assess the impact of President Joe Biden's $1.75 trillion tax and spending package on the economy and the national debt, slamming the door on hopes by Democratic leaders for quick action on the plan.
The West Virginia Democrat refused to say whether he supports the outline Biden presented last week or whether there had been any progress in negotiations over the weekend. His remarks are a blow to Biden, who presented to House Democrats what he said was a compromise plan worked out over weeks of negotiations that would win support from all 50 senators who caucus with Democrats.
Manchin also criticized progressive Democrats for holding up a bipartisan infrastructure bill until there's full agreement on the larger economic package, adding to tension between the two wings of the party.
Manchin said Monday he wants a "complete analysis" of the Biden plan to know its true cost and that he's concerned that it will drive up both inflation and government debt.
"For the last three months, I've been straightforward about my concerns that I will not support a reconciliation package that expands social programs and irresponsibly adds to our $29 trillion debt that no one seems to really care about or really talk about," Manchin said at a news conference. "Nor will I support a package that risks hurting American families suffering from historic inflation."
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer countered on the Senate floor that the bill would not drive up costs.
"This will be just what the American people need and will not be, will not be inflationary," Schumer said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also stressed that the package would ease long-term inflationary pressures.
Infrastructure Bill
The announcement came as Biden met with world leaders at a global climate conference in Scotland. He had delayed his trip to Europe last week by several hours to meet with and rally Democrats over the legislation, which includes extensive provisions designed to lower carbon emissions.
The administration expressed confidence that the spending plan meets Manchin's demands.
"Senator Manchin says he is prepared to support a Build Back Better plan that combats inflation, is fiscally responsible, and will create jobs. The plan the House is finalizing meets those tests — it is fully paid for, will reduce the deficit, and brings down costs for health care, child care, elder care, and housing," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement. "As a result, we remain confident that the plan will gain Senator Manchin's support."
