ToplineSen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), a critical swing vote for Democrats, on Monday said he is not yet supportive of Biden’s initial $2 trillion infrastructure proposal, the latest sign that the plan faces an uphill battle. WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 05: Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) walks on the senate side of the Capitol Building ... [+] on Friday, March 5, 2021 in Washington, DC. The Senate finally took up the $1.9 trillion Covid relief package and continues to debate it, with infighting within the Senate Democrat ranks over unemployment benefits threatens to hinder progress. Democrats will need Manchin’s vote to pass the bill in the Senate even if they use budget reconciliation, which would allow them to bypass the 10 Republicans needed to break a filibuster but still require all 50 Democrats in the chamber. Crucial Quote“I’ve never had a problem getting ahold of the president when I’ve needed him,” Manchin told Forbes last month when asked about Republican senators who say they haven’t heard from Biden since the inauguration.

Source: Forbes April 05, 2021 18:18 UTC