Manchin reportedly backing $ 1.5 billion spending plan: report

His. Joe manchinJoe ManchinThe Hill’s Morning Report – Featured by Facebook – Questions on Biden’s Agenda; unemployment benefits end Texas abortion law Supreme Court ruling shakes lawmakers on Sunday (DW.Va.) reportedly told the White House and congressional leaders that he would be prepared to support up to $ 1.5 trillion in President BidenJoe BidenSpotlight turns to McCarthy of the GOP during the Jan.6 investigation.the $ 3.5 trillion social spending program.

Axios reported Tuesday night, citing sources familiar with the discussions, that the moderate senator would support as little as $ 1,000 billion for the proposal containing key elements of Biden’s “Build Better” program.

Democrats hope to push through with reconciliation, a process that allows the Senate 50-50 to push the bill forward by simple majority and bypass Republican obstruction.

Manchin’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. La Colline reached out to the White House and the office of the Senate Majority Leader Charles SchumerChuck Schumer Budget Reconciliation: Calling It ‘$ 5,000 Billion Bill’ Not Quite Right Schumer Calls For Climate Action After Ida Flood, House Democrats Urge Pelosi to prioritize aid to gyms PLUS (DN.Y.).

The West Virginia senator has publicly expressed concerns about the price of the package, and Axios has indicated that he has also expressed concerns about specific policy proposals, such as a $ 400 billion spending plan for caregivers. home.

The centrist senator would provide a decisive vote in the Senate, and his concerns about the proposal could present a obstacle to the passage of the legislation, which includes several key priorities of the Democratic Party such as expand Medicaid, fight climate change, and implement immigration reforms.

Biden earlier Tuesday expressed his optimism about the package, telling reporters: “Joe in the end has always been there.”

“He’s always been with me,” Biden said. “I think we can find something. I can’t wait to speak with him.

Manchin was rebuffed by Democratic leaders after arguing last week that lawmakers should “hit the pause button” on the $ 3.5 trillion proposal.

Speaking at a West Virginia Chamber of Commerce event, Manchin said he was concerned about “soaring inflation” amid outbreaks of the delta variant of the coronavirus across the country, as well as the chaotic withdrawal of the United States from Afghanistan.

“Let’s sit down. Let’s see what happens,” he said at the time. “We have so much on our plate. We really have a lot of things. I think that would be the prudent and wise thing to do.”

Fellow Democratic lawmakers hit back at Manchin’s reasoning, with Senate budget committee chairman Bernie sandersBernie Sanders Radical Labor Law Threatens War on Small Businesses and Workers Boost Workers and Tax Billionaires The Hill’s Morning Report – Featured by Facebook – Questions on Biden’s Agenda; end of unemployment benefits PLUS (I-Vt.) Saying in an interview with The New York Times this weekend that Democrats couldn’t afford to “slow down.”

House tenant Nancy PelosiNancy Pelosi’s Supreme Court ruling on abortion amplifies progressives’ call for reform Klobuchar: Senate must eliminate filibuster to protect abortion rights (D-Calif.) Also dismissed Manchin’s remarks, telling reporters on Tuesday: “Well, obviously I don’t agree.”

“I’m pretty excited to know where we’re at. Everyone works very hard, the committees are doing their job. We have a good schedule, and I feel very elated about it, ”she said.