General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWH: Since Senator Manchin has already changed his mind a few times we invite him to change it again
Statement from Press Secretary Jen Psaki
DECEMBER 19, 2021
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
Senator Manchins comments this morning on FOX are at odds with his discussions this week with the President, with White House staff, and with his own public utterances. Weeks ago, Senator Manchin committed to the President, at his home in Wilmington, to support the Build Back Better framework that the President then subsequently announced. Senator Manchin pledged repeatedly to negotiate on finalizing that framework in good faith.
On Tuesday of this week, Senator Manchin came to the White House and submittedto the President, in person, directlya written outline for a Build Back Better bill that was the same size and scope as the Presidents framework, and covered many of the same priorities. While that framework was missing key priorities, we believed it could lead to a compromise acceptable to all. Senator Manchin promised to continue conversations in the days ahead, and to work with us to reach that common ground. If his comments on FOX and written statement indicate an end to that effort, they represent a sudden and inexplicable reversal in his position, and a breach of his commitments to the President and the Senators colleagues in the House and Senate.
Senator Manchin claims that this change of position is related to inflation, but the think tank he often cites on Build Back Betterthe Penn Wharton Budget Instituteissued a report less than 48 hours ago that noted the Build Back Better Act will have virtually no impact on inflation in the short term, and, in the long run, the policies it includes will ease inflationary pressures. Many leading economists with whom Senator Manchin frequently consults also support Build Back Better.
Build Back Better lowers costs that families pay. It will reduce what families pay for child care. It will reduce what they pay for prescription drugs. It will lower health care premiums. And it puts a tax cut in the pockets of families with kids. If someone is concerned about the impact that higher prices are having on families, this bill gives them a break.
Senator Manchin cited deficit concerns in his statement. But the plan is fully paid for, is the most fiscally responsible major bill that Congress has considered in years, and reduces the deficit in the long run. The Congressional Budget Office report that the Senator cites analyzed an unfunded extension of Build Back Better. Thats not what the President has proposed, not the bill the Senate would vote on, and not what the President would support. Senator Manchin knows that: The President has told him that repeatedly, including this week, face to face.
Likewise, Senator Manchins statement about the climate provisions in Build Back Better are wrong. Build Back Better will produce a job-creating clean energy future for this countryincluding West Virginia.
Just as Senator Manchin reversed his position on Build Back Better this morning, we will continue to press him to see if he will reverse his position yet again, to honor his prior commitments and be true to his word.
In the meantime, Senator Manchin will have to explain to those families paying $1,000 a month for insulin why they need to keep paying that, instead of $35 for that vital medicine. He will have to explain to the nearly two million women who would get the affordable day care they need to return to work why he opposes a plan to get them the help they need. Maybe Senator Manchin can explain to the millions of children who have been lifted out of poverty, in part due to the Child Tax Credit, why he wants to end a program that is helping achieve this milestonewe cannot.
We are proud of what we have gotten done in 2021: the American Rescue Plan, the fastest decrease in unemployment in U.S. history, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, over 200 million Americans vaccinated, schools reopened, the fastest rollout of vaccines to children anywhere in the world, and historic appointments to the Federal judiciary.
But we will not relent in the fight to help Americans with their child care, health care, prescription drug costs, and elder careand to combat climate change. The fight for Build Back Better is too important to give up. We will find a way to move forward next year.
Link to tweet
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/12/19/statement-from-press-secretary-jen-psaki-4/
Blue Owl
(51,157 posts)Harker
(14,285 posts)OrlandoDem2
(2,083 posts)Biden needs to do the same. Right effing now!
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,723 posts)CentralMass
(15,265 posts)Mad_Machine76
(24,527 posts)I don't think Manchin's position on this is very tenable, unless he is planning to jump ship and join the GOP tomorrow.
Ozthegreatand..
(3 posts)This morning's news made me finally stop lurking on DU and at long last become a member. I'm a very recently retired educator from Georgia. I know many people in my state and my family who benefited from the child tax credit and actually depend on it. Besides the fact that this was one of the few benefits from the democratic agenda that even Trumpers couldn't deny was helpful, it has been a financial lifeline to many struggling families.
I have two nieces with children who woke today to the news that they will have less resources next month. This means no more last min gifts, Christmas dinner will be leaner this year, and parents and aunts are discussing ways to help when we ourselves are also struggling.
I know the political maneuvering is a necessary part of governance however I wish people like Manchin would come down from his yacht for awhile and explain to the people he hurt this morning about how they're going to pay the bills next month.
littlemissmartypants
(23,200 posts)I know that they are grateful for that. Manchin has too much power. It makes me so frustrated and it's not right. Stay encouraged.
❤ pants
agingdem
(7,944 posts)while Manchin spews his all powerful Oz crap on Fox, the White House is calling him out on his blatant hypocrisy and turning him into a really bad joke: "..see if he will reverse his position yet again"... the intent is to diminish the guy, deem him untrustworthy, call him a liar...I think from this point on Manchin may have a harder time meeting with Biden than he would the Pope...Ron Klain will bar the door until Manchin agrees to negotiate in good faith..and stay off Fox Fucking News...