As Democrats seek to maintain control of the White House and their slim majority in the Senate, the Biden administration is facing some of its fiercest opposition from one of its own: West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin.
Because of their tight majority in the upper chamber, Manchin has emerged as one of the party’s most crucial holdout votes over the last two years, forcing Democrats into lengthy negotiations and compromises to get the centrist on board with their agenda. However, that delicate dance has become more precarious in the last few months — especially as Manchin has grown increasingly frustrated with the Biden administration’s climate policies.
Manchin has also expressed opposition to how the Biden administration has implemented its signature Inflation Reduction Act, a milestone piece of legislation that the West Virginia senator helped pass the Senate last year. Now, Manchin is threatening to withhold support on key appointments to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Interior Department until changes are made.
“We’re trying to implement it based on what the Congress passed,” John Podesta, a senior Biden adviser, told reporters. ”Now, he has disagreed a little bit with some of those interpretations, but I think we are operating in good faith to get guidance out as quickly as possible.” Manchin has not said whether he intends to run for reelection next year, nor has he indicated plans to launch a White House bid. However, the West Virginia senator is being eyed as a top contender for the No Labels group, which is planning to launch a third-party ticket to provide an alternative option in the case of a Trump-Biden rematch.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
White House is torn over Joe Manchin’s fury at climate law he craftedBiden aides are trying to agree to Manchin’s demands where they can to avoid antagonizing him, while still advancing a climate agenda that he strongly opposes.
Read more »
White House counsel departing as House Republican investigations heat upThe White House announce its top counsel, Stuart Delery, who helped craft Biden's student loan handout and U.S.-Mexico border policy, would be leaving next month. His replacement was not announced.
Read more »
Manchin does 'delicate dance' with Democrats as he considers political futureWhile other Senate Democrats are taking a victory lap on the anniversary of President Joe Biden signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) is navigating complex terrain and taking hits from all sides.
Read more »
Democrats attack Justice while Manchin challenger fends off lawsuit about disclosing recordsThe Senate Democrats' campaign arm is releasing a billboard attack campaign against Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) while a lawsuit against him to obtain his schedule as governor unfolds.
Read more »