Biden Snaps On Top Lawmaker
West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, a centrist Democrat, recently opened up about the intense pressure he faced from President Joe Biden during the passage of the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. Manchin, who was initially opposed to the legislation, shared that Biden’s response to his resistance was anything but calm. “I was going to kill the whole bill. Then the president went completely insane on me,” Manchin said in a candid interview.
The senator, known for his moderate stance, explained that he had urged Democrats and the White House to scale back the relief package, particularly focusing on measures that would allow Americans to get back to work more quickly. Manchin wanted to ensure the bill did not go too far in extending unemployment benefits, which he believed could discourage workers from returning to the workforce.
Despite his reservations, Manchin ultimately relented after the Democrats made some adjustments to the unemployment provisions. However, in hindsight, the senator admitted he should have voted against the bill due to its massive size. “I backed it to show respect for the president,” Manchin said, acknowledging the significant political pressure he faced from the Biden administration.
Manchin’s comments confirm what many already suspected: President Biden applied personal pressure on the senator to secure his vote. In March 2021, Biden personally called Manchin, warning him that his opposition would have dire political consequences. As reported in The Atlantic, Biden told Manchin bluntly, “Joe, if you don’t come along, you’re really f‑‑‑ing me. I need you on this. Find your way to yes.”
This revelation sheds light on the high-stakes maneuvering behind the scenes during the passage of one of the most expensive pieces of legislation in American history. For many conservatives, Manchin’s reluctance to fully support the package underscores the deep concerns about unchecked government spending and its long-term effects on the economy. Even in a Democrat-controlled Congress, the West Virginia senator’s fight for fiscal responsibility serves as a reminder of the importance of questioning expansive, one-size-fits-all policies that come at the expense of taxpayers.
