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September 3, 2021

Sen. Joe Manchin Demands "Pause" on $3.5 Trillion Spending Bill, Enraging Fellow Democrats
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West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin enraged fellow Democrats Thursday
after he asked them to "pause" plans for a $3.5 trillion spending bill.
Manchin cited the bill's price tag and the risk of inflation. The
measure would create millions of well-paid, union jobs in a Civilian
Climate Corps to combat the climate crisis. It would also expand
Medicare, extend the child tax credit and would provide funds for
universal pre-K and tuition-free community college. The bill is unlikely
to pass without Manchin's support in the Senate, where Democrats have a
razor-thin majority. Arizona Democratic Senator Kyrsten Sinema has also
said she wants a smaller package.

New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted in response,
"Manchin has weekly huddles w/ Exxon & is one of many senators who gives
lobbyists their pen to write so-called 'bipartisan' fossil fuel bills.
It's killing people. Our people. At least 12 last night. Sick of this
'bipartisan' corruption that masquerades as clear-eyed moderation."


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