Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) declared on Sunday he can’t support the spending package that President Joe Biden and Democratic leaders have made their top legislative priority. His opposition is likely the final nail in the coffin for the $2 trillion-plus “Build Back Better” (BBB) legislation, given the Senate’s 50-50 split, unless extensive changes are made that would result in key provisions being scuttled, noted Roll Call.
The action leaves telecom-related provisions in limbo. Now Senate Democrats are scheming about what elements might survive if they can assemble a more Manchin-friendly bill.
The House-passed bill included $1.15 billion for broadband internet, money meant to supplement the $65 billion in broadband spending included in the bipartisan infrastructure law signed by Biden this year. The BBB’s proposals included $300 million for bolstering remote-learning subsidies and a $280 million pilot program on urban broadband affordability. Manchin has not stated a clear position on these provisions, according to Politico.
Democrats hope to upgrade the country’s 911 system for the digital age. This money in the BBB — a fraction of the billions’ lawmakers originally proposed — would enable emergency call centers to receive text messages, video and photos, in addition to phone calls. Manchin has also not weighed in on this proposal.
Manchin expressed several concerns with the size and scope of the package, reported Roll Call. He wants the total price tag capped at $1.75 trillion over 10 years and noted that several programs would end early in order to artificially keep costs down.
White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki made it clear the administration would continue to fight for passage.
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