Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) is reportedly furious at the way President Biden began implementing the Inflation Reduction Act, the key Democratic Party legislation, which was only signed into law after the senator from West Virginia promised to support it.
After months of deliberation with president Obama on the proposed legislation, Manchin has pledged his support. Politico reported that he is “raising hell” at Capitol Hill about the way the Biden administration is rolling out the bill.
The lawmaker slammed Democrats for viewing the act as a tool to combat climate change, rather than as an energy securing measure. He called them “bulls ***”” and accused them from trying to “starve the Americans out of energy.”
Politico’s latest report began by stating that the West Virginia Democrat was furious at how his party’s president, and his administration, are rolling out a party line bill that served as a crowning accomplishment for both men. He’s also upset about a delay in new guidelines regarding who will get the law’s generous electric car tax credits.
Manchin introduced a bill to “stop the credits until Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen enforces strict requirements for electrical-vehicle sourcing.” He had been looking for a way to use the credits to “boost U.S-manufactured vehicles rather than those made overseas.”
Politico published a recent interview with him, in which he claimed that negotiations over legislation with the administration were contentious. He stated, “I’ve been making hell.”
Manchin criticized the administration’s plans to implement the EV tax credits. He claimed that they almost act as if someone has to send $7,500 in order for them to buy a car. This is insane, absurd thinking by the federal government.
He said, “I completely and absolutely disagree with what they are doing.”
Manchin’s IRA grievances extend beyond the EV credit tax credits. Manchin believes his party promotes the law as a climate change-fighting measure rather than as an energy security measure.
Politico reported that Manchin has been praising “the power” of the bill he wrote to undermine Democratic hopes of ending U.S. dependence on fossil fuels.
For Democrats who support the law for this transition, he reserved some harsh words. According to the outlet, he said that “This is bulls ***..” They’re going to basically starve us of the energy we have an enormous, abundant supply of due to their aspirational ideas.
Manchin said, “I will fight on and I’ll do all I can to ensure the public understands what they’re doing” and what it will mean for you, your economy, and your life.
Manchin’s support of the IRA has been controversial, particularly among West Virginians. According to the outlet, Manchin’s approval rating back home fell after he voted for the Inflation Reduction Act.
Voters might have seen Manchin signing on to the legislation as a support for Democrats’ climate agenda. Politico was told by a Manchin colleague that the senator believes the law will put the U.S. on the path to energy independence.