Manchin Says He Will Kill The Build Back Better Bill

Joe Manchin went on Fox News on Sunday and said he will not vote for President Biden's Build Back Better Bill. Since the bill needed all 50 Democratic votes in the Senate to pass, Manchin's announcement effectively kills the bill.

Manchin has always opposed the bill. Initially, he said he opposed it because it cost too much. He said he would not support it unless it was reduced to no more than $1.5 trillion (over ten years). Democrats believed him, and reduced the bill to less than $2 trillion (actually about $1.7 trillion).

But that didn't placate Manchin, because he was lying about the cost being the reason. Manchin owns several million in coal stocks. He opposed the bill because it included significant money to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels to attack global warming. He doesn't want that because, not only him but also his family, are too invested in coal.

He also opposes paid family leave (even though we are the only developed nation that does not have family leave guaranteed). He claims it would be socialism. But what it really is, is help for working families across the nation. Manchin has cast his lot against ordinary Americans.

In killing the bill, he is also killing more financial help for college students. He is killing the child tax credit, which has lifted many families out of poverty. He is killing help for working families to get decent child care. He is killing everything in the bill that would help ordinary Americans. But he rich, so he doesn't care.

If you are surprised by Manchin's announcement, then you have not been paying attention. Manchin has always been opposed to the bill. He should be ashamed of himself!

And don't expect him to help pass the voting rights bill either.