The Facts
US Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said Thurs. that he won't support climate and tax provisions in a Democratic economic package, but is willing to back lower drug costs and a two-year funding extension to the Affordable Care Act.
Senate bills typically require a 60-vote majority, but Democrats are looking to use a tool called reconciliation, which allows a 51-vote simple majority, though they'll still need Manchin's moderate swing vote.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
The Democrats need to act now, while they still have control of the House and Senate, or it could be years before another opportunity to curb global warming comes. Manchin says he's focused on the present issues, but nothing is more present or dire than climate change, and his about-face presents a betrayal for the Biden admin, the US, and even the world.
Republican narrative
Manchin is the only person grounding his party in reality, as it has once again tried and failed to pass a massive spending bill that both conservative and moderate Americans are against. He is truly a thorn in the side of the Democratic party, and Republicans are thankful for that.
