The Sinema-Manchin split that shaped Dems’ deal

After Russia invaded Ukraine and Europe’s energy supplies were squeezed while U.S. gas prices began rising, Manchin then saw an opportunity to make big climate change investments while simultaneously boosting fossil fuel production this spring.

Advertisement

“That is the catapult that basically launched me,” Manchin said in an interview. “Iran is the greatest proliferator supportive of terrorism in the world, right? And we’re going to give them money? Over my dead body.”

By late June, he and Schumer were looking at a package that brought in more than $1 trillion in revenue and spent significantly more than the package that passed Sunday. Sinema’s team was generally clued into that package and she told leaders in mid-July she still didn’t support the carried interest provision.

But Manchin began having second thoughts after the July 4 recess, as inflation indicators continued to flash red. Then came July 14.

“I just said, ‘Chuck, I can’t do that’ … That’s when he got mad,” Manchin said. “Half-hour later, they put the dogs on me.”

Join the conversation as a VIP Member

Trending on HotAir Videos

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement