Democratic West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin declared Wednesday that he would support reconciliation packages targeting the prescription drug price and energy sector.
The legislation, dubbed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, has not yet been written. Manchin stated in a statement, however that the package would fight inflation through promoting an energy policy of all sorts and lower prescription drug costs. Inflation increased 9.1% over the twelve-month period ending June 30, the highest year-over-year increase since December 1981.
” I support the Inflation Reduction Act 2022 as it offers a responsible way forward, which is focused on solving major climate, economic and energy problems in our country. My colleagues need to decide if they will be willing to give up their political views and accept the commonsense approach that is supported by the majority of Americans and best serves the nation’s future,” Manchin stated in a statement.
Reconciliation appears to have a new name: Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
It also has a new supporter: Sen. Joe Manchin pic.twitter.com/IIcuG4Kqjj
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) July 27, 2022
“In addition to fighting inflation, we must stop pretending that there is only one way to combat global climate change or achieve American energy independence,” he added. This legislation will ensure that the market takes the initiative, not aspirational or unrealistic political goals in the ongoing energy transition in America. Inflation Reduction Act invests to ensure that all types of fuels – including hydrogen, nuclear and renewables – can be made and used as cleanly and efficiently as possible. It is truly all of the above, which means this bill does not arbitrarily shut off our abundant fossil fuels.”
Manchin repeatedly objected to the Build Back Better reconciliation framework throughout 2021, arguing that the package’s proponents were hiding the true cost of the legislation through “budget gimmicks” and “shell games.” His stance drew criticism from the left flank of the Democratic Party, with Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar suggesting that the two-term senator is actually a Republican.
Build back Better is dead. Instead, we have an opportunity to strengthen our nation by uniting Americans,” Manchin stated in his statement. (RELATED: Manchin: Build Back Better Is Dead)
Democratic Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema also opposed the Build Back Better framework. She was repeatedly confronted by left-wing activists over her position. One instance saw them chase her to a bathroom at Arizona State University. Sinema chiefly objected to provisions setting price caps on prescription drugs, although she came to an agreement with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in November 2021.
Manchin announced his support just hours after 17 Senate Republicans joined with Democrats to pass the Chips Plus Act, which provides subsidies for semiconductors and scientific research and development. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell threatened to withhold Republican support from the proposal following reports of Manchin’s negotiations with Schumer, but he ultimately voted for the legislation.
