Sen. Joe Manchin Says Reconciliation Bill “Can Be Done” but Size Needs Finalization

Senator Joe Manchin, a key moderate in the Senate, stated on Tuesday that he believes a Democratic-only reconciliation bill focused on family spending “can be done.” However, he emphasized that Democrats must finalize the bill’s size before he can lend his support.

In an interview on MSNBC, Manchin highlighted the importance of passing funding for both traditional infrastructure and family-focused support. President Joe Biden recently backed a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package and is now looking to pass a reconciliation bill separately, resembling his $1.8 trillion American Families Plan proposal.

With Senate Republicans expected to oppose the Democratic proposal, Democrats are likely to use the budget reconciliation process to pass the bill with a simple majority. Manchin stressed the need for finalizing the legislation before securing party-wide support.

As a self-described centrist, Manchin’s support is crucial for Biden to advance his family-focused infrastructure plan. While Manchin indicated he could support a $2 trillion Democrat-only infrastructure measure, he expressed concerns about adding more debt to the government’s balance sheet.

On the other hand, Senator Bernie Sanders proposed a $6 trillion reconciliation package that aligns with Biden’s initial proposals, including funding for green energy projects, affordable housing, and Medicare expansion. Despite Sanders’ ambitious plan, Manchin’s comments suggest that such a large package may face challenges in passing.

The bipartisan infrastructure proposal sparked a weekend scramble between the Biden administration and Congressional Republicans. Biden initially linked his support for the measure to a reconciliation bill for his families plan, but later reversed his stance, agreeing to sign the bipartisan infrastructure bill regardless. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated that the bipartisan plan won’t receive a House vote unless the Senate approves a Democratic-only spending package.

Manchin’s stance on the reconciliation bill’s size underscores the ongoing negotiations within the Democratic party to advance Biden’s agenda. As discussions continue, the final size and scope of the reconciliation bill remain uncertain, with Manchin playing a pivotal role in shaping its outcome.