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Spectator (UK)Dec 27, 2022
Manchin Supports Inflation Bill in Exchange for Pipeline
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Image copyright: Reuters [via The New York Times]
The Facts
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) on Mon. detailed a 'side deal' made with Democratic leaders to fast-track the completion of the $6.6B Mountain Valley Pipeline in return for support of a health care, taxation, and environmental bill.
The pipeline, which was supposed to be finished by 2018 before several challenges of federal permits stalled its completion, would carry natural gas from the Marcellus shale fields in West Virginia to Virginia.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
This pipeline has its negatives, but if its approval is what it takes for Manchin to support the larger bill and bring to life the hundreds of billions in new clean energy investments, this deal is very much worth it. Ultimately this will help both the environment and inflation - a true win-win.
Republican narrative
Manchin thinks he's sly because he's bringing federal dollars to his home state of West Virginia, while simultaneously giving Biden a political victory. But what he's agreed to support is a so-called "inflation-reduction bill" that will tax big businesses and raise prices on low-income Americans - including the people of his home state.
