Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) is bringing back the Build Back Better bill, sort of. The name may be dead — and many of the provisions of the bill passed by the House last year likely are as well — but Manchin has restarted discussions with fellow Democrats on a climate and energy package, The Washington Post reports.
Manchin effectively scuttled the previous version of Democrats’ climate and social spending package when he declared late last year that he could not get to yes on it. That announcement derailed talks on the bill, but Manchin has indicated he would be open to legislation that included climate measures such as clean energy tax credits as well as provisions addressing prescription drug costs, reforming the tax code and reducing the deficit.
The senator, who chairs the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has reportedly also indicated that he’s looking for the administration to make some concessions on boosting oil and gas drilling and natural gas exports. “Senator Manchin is always willing to engage in discussions about the best way to move our country forward,” a spokesperson told the Post via email. “He has made clear that we can protect energy independence and respond to climate change at the same time.”
With midterm elections looming, Manchin reportedly has told colleagues that the legislation must be brought to a vote before senators leave town for their August recess.
