Joe Manchin: Why I'm voting against the For the People Act

[Bucky]

Don't shoot the messenger

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/opinion/op_ed_commentaries/joe-manchin-why-im-voting-against-the-for-the-people-act/article_c7eb2551-a500-5f77-aa37-2e42d0af870f.html

Joe Manchin: Why I'm voting against the For the People Act
By Joe Manchin - Charlotte WV Gazette Mail - June 6, 2021

[hl]

{snip}


Unfortunately, we now are witnessing that the fundamental right to vote has itself become overtly politicized. Today’s debate about how to best protect our right to vote and to hold elections, however, is not about finding common ground, but seeking partisan advantage. Whether it is state laws that seek to needlessly restrict voting or politicians who ignore the need to secure our elections, partisan policymaking won’t instill confidence in our democracy — it will destroy it.

As such, congressional action on federal voting rights legislation must be the result of both Democrats and Republicans coming together to find a pathway forward or we risk further dividing and destroying the republic we swore to protect and defend as elected officials.


{snip}


Democrats in Congress have proposed a sweeping election reform bill called the For the People Act. This more than 800-page bill has garnered zero Republican support. Why? Are the very Republican senators who voted to impeach Trump because of actions that led to an attack on our democracy unwilling to support actions to strengthen our democracy? Are these same senators, whom many in my party applauded for their courage, now threats to the very democracy we seek to protect?

The truth, I would argue, is that voting and election reform that is done in a partisan manner will all but ensure partisan divisions continue to deepen.


{snip}


As a reminder, just four short years ago, in 2017 when Republicans held control of the White House and Congress, President Donald Trump was publicly urging Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster. Then, it was Senate Democrats who were proudly defending the filibuster. Thirty-three Senate Democrats penned a letter to Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., warning of the perils of eliminating the filibuster.


{snip}


The Voting Rights Act, for example, was monumental in the fight to guarantee freer and fairer elections in the United States. Since its original passage, it has been reauthorized with overwhelming bipartisan votes five separate times. In addition, there is bipartisan support to pass the latest iteration of this legislation, the rightfully named John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would update the formula states and localities must use to ensure proposed voting laws do not restrict the rights of any particular group or population. My Republican colleague, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, has joined me in urging Senate leadership to update and pass this bill through regular order. I continue to engage with my Republican and Democratic colleagues about the value of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and I am encouraged by the desire from both sides to transcend partisan politics and strengthen our democracy by protecting voting rights.

Of course, some in my party have argued that now is the time to discard such bipartisan voting reforms and embrace election reforms and policies solely supported by one party. Respectfully, I do not agree.

I believe that partisan voting legislation will destroy the already weakening binds of our democracy, and for that reason, I will vote against the For the People Act. Furthermore, I will not vote to weaken or eliminate the filibuster. For as long as I have the privilege of being your U.S. senator, I will fight to represent the people of West Virginia, to seek bipartisan compromise no matter how difficult and to develop the political bonds that end divisions and help unite the country we love.

Well, there you have it. Senator Neville Chamberlain of West Virginia.

[NQAS]

1. If only the fascists would sign on...

He’s living on a world that no longer exists. There is no reaching across the aisle. This is cowardice, not leadership. This is outright stupidity, not thoughtful consideration.

[Bucky]

3. If only Capone would cooperate with the latest investigation

[Freddie]

2. Reminds me of my Dad, in his dotage

Would talk endlessly and with great recall stuff that happened in the 30s and 40s but could never remember his great-granddaughter’s name. Manchin has fond recall of when the parties worked together but no memory of anything from the past 15 (at least) years “our only goal is to make Obama a one-term president” (and getting worse) Grand Obstructionist Party.

[pwb]

4. If you are not for the people No Joe

you are against us. Your a Puke just admit it.

[Alpeduez21]

5. Hey, Fuckhead, the country's being destroyed in a partisan manner! n/t

[dalton99a]

6. It's all good

https://democraticunderground.com/100215490893