Thread by @josephzeballos

Sen. Joe Manchin reiterated earlier that BBB is “dead,” putting Biden’s economic agenda on ice.

I’d argue the situation facing Ds is no better nor worse. Manchin already came out against BBB in December.

Some thoughts on Manchin, BBB and where things could go from here 🏛

The conservative West Virginia Dem said later he meant the $2T House-approved package was “dead.”

That bill included programs he’s objected to - like the expanded child tax credit and 4 weeks of paid leave.

Ds eventually hope to pass a skinnier plan. businessinsider.com/joe-manchin-sa…

Influential D groups are starting to turn up the heat. @amprog is urging Ds to overhaul BBB into something that can pass the House and Senate.

They argue Rx drug controls, climate, universal pre-K, ACA subsidies + childcare can form the starting point.

businessinsider.com/cap-skinny-bui…

But other top D priorities like renewing the expanded child tax credit are in danger of getting axed. Affordable housing $ too.

It’s not clear when Manchin will return to the negotiating table - he told me last month any talks are “starting from scratch” businessinsider.com/joe-manchin-ne…

With Manchin focused on negotiating a bipartisan ECA deal, there’s few signs of a breakthrough anytime soon.

Manchin said today there aren’t any formal BBB talks underway either.

Schumer also seems to be backing down from putting BBB up to a vote for now (I asked)

https://twitter.com/josephzeballos/status/1488603145483784195

There’s a lot of common ground between Manchin and Ds, particularly on climate programs and universal pre-K.

But whether Manchin tries to renegotiate a skinny BBB with enormous influence over its size and scope is anyone’s guess.
businessinsider.com/manchin-build-…