Manchin Claims He Is Unsure Whether Spending Bill Will Address Inflation–Even Though It Would Ease Inflation

Senator Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) said he is still worried about inflation and that he is not sure if the budget reconciliation bill championed by Democrats will address those issues, citing concerns he’s heard from his own constituents.

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“The cost they see every day. And every day they go to fill up is a dollar and a quarter more a gallon,” he said about rising gas prices. “Three twenty-nine, $3.39.”

“A gallon of milk is now $4 in many places. It’s taking a toll. And I hear it when I go to the grocery store or if I go to the gas station. They say, ‘Are you as mad as I am?’ and I say, ‘Absolutely,’ ” Manchin added, saying he had not heard any “specifics” about whether the Build Back Better plan will actually address inflation.

Last week, Manchin said that the “the threat” from inflation is “getting worse.”

Manchin has been widely criticized for delaying attempts by House and Senate Democrats to codify much of their economic and social policy agenda via a major spending bill.

The plan is part of efforts from the Democrats to respond to the climate crisis, invest in infrastructure and expand education, healthcare and childcare.

It would constitute the largest broadening of the social safety net in years.

And though Manchin has complained about inflation, the Build Back Better (BBB) spending legislation has, according to the White House and Congressional Democrats, would ease inflation.

“As I have said repeatedly, when [BBB] is passed, it will be fully paid for and reduce—reduce—inflationary pressures. … This will be just what the American people need, and it will not be—will not be—inflationary,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said last week. 

Alan Herrera

Alan is a writer, editor, and news junkie based in New York.