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Manchin Gets Revenge On Biden With Vote

Manchin Gets Revenge On Biden With Vote

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, a key Democratic figure in Washington, has thrown a wrench into President Joe Biden‘s plans. Manchin recently announced that he will vote against Biden‘s nominee for Internal Revenue Service commissioner, Daniel Werfel, despite the Senate committee approving his nomination last week.

Manchin cited his lack of faith in the Biden administration’s implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, a sweeping tax and climate bill that Manchin was instrumental in passing, as the reason for his opposition.

“At every turn, this Administration has ignored Congressional intent when implementing the Inflation Reduction Act”, Manchin said in a statement. “While Daniel Werfel is supremely qualified to serve as the IRS Commissioner, I have zero faith he will be given the autonomy to perform the job in accordance with the law and for that reason, I cannot support his nomination.”

This isn’t the first time Manchin has blocked one of Biden’s nominees. This week, he signaled his opposition to nominee Gigi Sohn, who withdrew from consideration for a key fifth seat on the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday.

The move has Republicans both in and out of Washington concerned. Manchin, who has become increasingly independent despite representing a traditionally Democratic stronghold state, is viewed as a crucial vote for Biden’s legislative priorities. His recent opposition to Werfel may be a sign that he is unwilling to compromise on certain issues, leading to more gridlock in Congress.

Manchin’s vote is especially important now, as Democrats currently control the Senate by a thin 51–49 majority, including three independents who caucus with them. With two Democrats, Senators John Fetterman and Dianne Feinstein, out with medical issues, and Manchin’s opposition to Werfel, Biden’s legislative ambitions may be in jeopardy.

The White House has yet to comment on Manchin’s decision. However, it’s clear that the move has complicated Biden’s plans, and will likely make it harder for him to pass his agenda in the future. With Manchin’s vote so important, the future of Biden’s legislative agenda may be in his hands.

Written by J. Lynne - March 8, 2023