www.nytimes.com/…
An agreement has been reached between Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Joe Manchin on a bill dealing with a Medicare drug plan, taxes, energy, and climate change.
Negotiations to come up with a deal that Manchin can support has dragged on many months and has depressed many Democrats who feel the party has not delivered on its promises. It can be hoped that this compromise will hold together and boost Democratic chances in the fall elections.
www.nytimes.com/…
“In a statement, Mr. Manchin, who had been his party’s main holdout on an expansive social policy, climate and tax package, confirmed his support for the measure in a statement that did not provide detail on its precise elements. But in the statement, he signaled support for climate and energy programs, as well as some tax provisions, all of which he had previously suggested he could not support because of concerns about inflation.”
www.cnn.com/…
The agreement contains a number of Democrats' goals. While many details have not been disclosed, the measure would invest $369 billion into energy and climate change programs, with the goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40% by 2030, according to a one-page fact sheet. For the first time, Medicare would be empowered to negotiate the prices of certain medications, something Democrats say would raise $288 billion, and it would cap out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 for those enrolled in Medicare drug plans. It would extend expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act for three years.
Mitch McConnell is angry
www.msn.com/...
- McConnell criticized Manchin's surprise deal after Democrats yanked his leverage.
- He had previously vowed to block a computer chip bill if Democrats advanced Biden's agenda.
- Hours after Senate Republicans voted for it, Schumer and Manchin announced a deal.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell bashed a nascent agreement between Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Democratic leaders that revived swaths of their agenda on Wednesday.
The Kentucky Republican said the Senate wouldn't pass a computer chip bill if Democrats pursued budget reconciliation, but it did and they are.