Democrats Consider Changes to Voting Bill Amid Manchin Opposition
WASHINGTON—Senate Democrats said they were considering changes to their election overhaul proposal, after pivotal centrist Sen. Joe Manchin made clear he opposed both the current bill and any imminent move to weaken Republicans’ power to block legislation.
“We’re open to changes and modifications as long as it does the job,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.). He added that “we’ve had discussions with Sen. Manchin and they’re continuing.”
The voting measure touches on nearly every aspect of the election system, from how districts are drawn, to how campaigns are financed, to how voters register and verify their eligibility.
Mr. Schumer spoke after Senate Democrats met behind closed doors at a weekly lunch at which the impasse was a central topic. Mr. Manchin has called the current bill, the For the People Act or S-1, too partisan and said any changes to election law should have support from both parties. He missed the gathering, and a Manchin spokeswoman said he had a conflicting meeting.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/democrats-consider-changes-to-voting-bill-amid-manchin-opposition/ar-AAKQ1JQ
Democrats try to pin down Manchin on voting rights
Democrats are trying to put the squeeze on Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) as they seek clarification on what he wants in voting rights and election legislation.
Manchin sparked widespread angst this week by digging in on his opposition to the For the People Act, a sweeping bill that would overhaul federal elections. Democrats are now vowing to ramp up pressure on the key moderate.
At the same time, Democrats have been careful to not publicly criticize Manchin, which they believe would backfire. Instead, they are having behind-the-scenes talks with him and publicly questioning what specific changes he would want and how he thinks voting rights legislation can get 60 votes, the amount needed to avoid a GOP filibuster.
"A bunch of us have been meeting and talking with him even today," said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.).
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/democrats-try-to-pin-down-manchin-on-voting-rights/ar-AAKQo1l
Schumer commits Senate to sweeping elections bill vote
Chuck Schumer said Tuesday the Senate will vote on Democrats' sweeping elections bill later this month, with or without Joe Manchin.
The commitment from the Senate majority leader to hold a roll call vote in late June all but ensures that the GOP will block it was a filibuster. But he acknowledged his party is somewhat open to change the legislation if it means they can woo Manchin to support it.
"We will vote on voting rights legislation, bold legislation, S. 1, in the last week in June," Schumer told reporters on Tuesday afternoon. "Now, is it possible we might change a few things here and there? We’re gonna do it. We had discussions with Sen. Manchin and they’re continuing."
Manchin (D-W.Va.) has long resisted Democrats' signature bill, which would reform campaign finance laws, standardize federal elections and also make major changes to government ethics policies. But he steadfastly committed to opposing the bill on Sunday, all but ensuring it has bipartisan opposition.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/schumer-commits-senate-to-sweeping-elections-bill-vote/ar-AAKQh2y
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