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Senator Joe Manchin (DW.V.) told the Washington Post on Friday that he would “absolutely not” support the passage of a series of $ 2,000 stimulus checks, a key part of the country’s economic stimulus packages. President-elect Joe Biden.
Why is this important: The victories of Senators-elect Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in the second round of the Georgia election on Tuesday won a narrow 50-50 majority for Democrats in the Senate, with Vice President-elect Harris acting as a tiebreaker. Moderate senators like Manchin will serve as the chamber’s new center of power in close votes.
- Manchin was the only Democratic senator to vote yes on Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation.
- The West Virginian also voted with Trump more than any other Democrat in the Senate, the New York Times notes.
What they say: “Absolutely not. No. Getting people vaccinated is job # 1,” Manchin told The Post when asked if he would accept checks for $ 2,000.
- “How is the money we’re investing now going to best help us find jobs and hire people?” And I can’t tell you that sending another check is going to do that to somebody who already has a check. “
The big picture: The House passed a measure to lower stimulus checks from $ 600 to $ 2,000 per person in December, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell prevented it from receiving a Senate vote.
Yes, but: Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) Has championed the push alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) To increase the size of stimulus checks, an effort also endorsed by President Trump. Republican support could give the measure the majority it needs to pass the Senate.
Go further: Schumer says top priority in new Senate is $ 2,000 stimulus checks
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