Manchin on Biden's Reconciliation Bill: 'Definition Of Fiscal Insanity' that vengefully taxes

[Celerity]

https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases



"Every Member of Congress has a solemn duty to vote for what they believe is best for the country and the American people, not their party. Respectfully, as I have said for months, I can't support $3.5 trillion more in spending when we have already spent $5.4 trillion since last March. At some point, all of us, regardless of party must ask the simple question — how much is enough?

What I have made clear to the President and Democratic leaders is that spending trillions more on new and expanded government programs, when we can't even pay for the essential social programs, like Social Security and Medicare, is the definition of fiscal insanity. Suggesting that spending trillions more will not have an impact on inflation ignores the everyday reality that America's families continue pay an unavoidable inflation tax. Proposing a historic expansion of social programs while ignoring the fact we are not in a recession and that millions of jobs remain open will only feed a dysfunction that could weaken our economic recovery. This is the shared reality we all now face, and it is this reality that must shape the future decisions that we, as elected leaders, must make.

Since the beginning of this reconciliation debate, I have been consistent in my belief that any expansion of social programs must be targeted to those in need, not expanded beyond what is fiscally possible. Our tax code should be reformed to fix the flaws of the 2017 tax bill and ensure everyone pays their fair share but it should not weaken our global competitiveness or the ability of millions of small businesses to compete with the Amazons of the world. Overall, the amount we spend now must be balanced with what we need and can afford — not designed to reengineer the social and economic fabric of this nation or vengefully tax for the sake of wishful spending.

In August, I recommended we take a strategic pause to provide time to develop the right policies and to continue to monitor how the pandemic and economic factors are affecting our nation's fiscal situation before we spend more. Throughout September, I have made it clear to all those who would listen the need to means test any new social programs so that we are helping those who need it the most, not spend for the sake spending.

While I am hopeful that common ground can be found that would result in another historic investment in our nation, I cannot — and will not - support trillions in spending or an all or nothing approach that ignores the brutal fiscal reality our nation faces. There is a better way and I believe we can find it if we are willing to continue to negotiate in good faith.

If there is one final lesson that will continue to guide me in this difficult debate ahead it is this: America is a great nation but great nations throughout history have been weakened by careless spending and bad policies. Now, more than ever, we must work together to avoid these fatal mistakes so that we may fulfill our greatest been weakened by careless spending and bad policies. Now, more than ever, we must work together to avoid these fatal mistakes so that we may fulfill our greatest responsibility as elected leaders and pass on a better America to the next generation."

[bluewater]

1. In short, Manchin says NO RECONCILIATION BILL at all this year.

Perhaps no bill next year either.

[LonePirate]

2. If so, the House will defeat the bipartisan bill. Manchin needs to drop this power trip he's on.

[Celerity]

3. Also, why the hell is he using RW talking points about Social Security and Medicare?

when we can't even pay for the essential social programs, like Social Security and Medicare, is the definition of fiscal insanity.

[helpisontheway]

19. He is right wing..Democrat in name only. He can't be trusted..Ever. Nt

[KPN]

23. Because he's not a Democrat?

[totodeinhere]

4. I think he is putting his own political welfare ahead of the best interests of the country.

Yes, West Virginia is a very red state. And I supposed some of his constituents approve. But sometimes an office holder needs to have some political courage and support what is best for the country and let the chips fall where they may.

[Celerity]

6. He isn't even up for re-election until 2024 (if he even runs) and Justice has outflanked him on both

the left and the right. He barely won in 2018 with that huge Blue Wave at his back, which he likely will not have in 2024.

[KPN]

22. I disagree. This press release is just a charade. He's putting hiow own personal financial

interests ahead of the country.

[brush]

5. Do your job, progressives. Call his bluff on the bipartisan bill because if he prevails we'll lose..

our Congressional majorities anyway.

[kewhawaii]

7. Manchin should read The Deficit Myth

by Stephanie Kelton.

[Celerity]

8. The 'bazooka': Modern Monetary Theory in action

https://upload.democraticunderground.com/111689475

[Goodheart]

9. It's the "vengefully tax" part that really pisses me off.

[qazplm135]

10. it all pisses me off

but it's just a shot at Biden to be honest, I mean, he's for this bill in it's entirety. He thinks he's hippie punching but he's Joe punching too.

[Lovie777]

12. corporations are talking . . .

and paying big bucks to him and AZ senator.

And it's ok for the working class to pay the brunt of the taxes. Shame on them.

[Fiendish Thingy]

11. Blah, blah, blah. Fuck.That.Guy.

Ignore what he says, focus on what he does.

We’ll see what the next couple of weeks brings.

[NewHendoLib]

17. this

[Lunabell]

13. Am I allowed to question his Democratic bona fides?

I do not trust this guy at all.

[gulliver]

14. I always try to blame and credit the voters where appropriate.

Manchin only has the leverage he has because non-Dem voters and Dem nonvoters made the power balance so close.

[Haggard Celine]

15. Keep 'em hungry and desperate or they'll never

agree to work the shitty jobs that are available. And making people like Donald Trump pay taxes is just being vengeful.

[msongs]

16. signed yours truly, M. McConnell nt

[wellst0nev0ter]

18. Let him keep talking, it only makes progressive look more sane

And the leadership that doesn't threaten to torch this guy do not end up looking good either.

[aocommunalpunch]

20. Fuckin-a right. n/t

[KPN]

21. This guy's a Democrat? Bullshit ...

so what "great nations throughout history have been weakened by careless spending"? Any that have weren't great nations in the first place and didn't spend carelessly on building a strong working class. They spent on expansionism. Fuck Joe Manchin.