I've always maintained to disregard what Manchin says and instead watch what he does. But sometimes you do have to listen to what he is and is not saying. This is one of those times. he's open to ditching the Byrd Rule? Or not?
VIA Hot Air
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This is a big deal if he means it, but it's unclear if he means it. Watch the clip below, noting that Chuck Todd asks him specifically about using reconciliation to pass "election-only bills like H.R. 1." That's the "For the People Act," Democrats' massive voting-rights reform bill, their absolute top legislative priority before the midterms. Right now it looks dead on arrival in the Senate because, like all non-budgetary bills, it's subject to filibuster rules requiring 60 votes for cloture. And there's no way Democrats will find 10 Republican votes to help them get over that hump.
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Because reconciliation procedures are supposed to apply only to budgetary matters, the Senate parliamentarian would surely rule that reconciliation doesn't apply. But the parliamentarian's opinion is advisory; it can be overruled by the Senate's presiding officer. The question is whether Manchin would be willing to vote yes on a bill under those circumstances. Last month he said he wouldn't, that he'd follow the so-called "Byrd rule" that keeps non-budgetary matters (like raising the minimum wage") out of bills that are subject to reconciliation.
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Note that Manchin himself never mentions using reconciliation for H.R. 1 in the clip. It's Todd who brings it up. But this would have been a fine opportunity for Manchin to reaffirm his commitment to the Byrd rule and he conspicuously avoids doing so. Is the Dems' voting-rights package suddenly viable?
VIA Hot Air