Mitch McConnell throws a fit
If you listened to Mitch McConnell – and really, why would you – the latest bill crafted by Democrats is evil personified. Business Insider reposted his tweet: “Democrats have already crushed American families with historic inflation. Now they want to pile on giant tax hikes that will hammer workers and kill many thousands of American jobs.” Bullshit. Republicans are just mad because the Democrats outmaneuvered them. The thing is, though, the 17 Republicans who signed off on the semiconductor bill did so of their own volition. They knew the Democrats wanted to pass something that would benefit average everyday Americans. Likely, they did not expect Joe Manchin to get on board with the Democrats.
Manchin and Chuck Schumer reached agreement to revive part of President Biden’s agenda. Though as it stands, the bill is woefully short of the president’s agenda, but it still contains benefits for the people. For example, the bill will lower insurance costs for millions under the ACA, will lower prescription drug costs, and will provide tax credits for promoting clean energy. Everyone living through this incredibly hot summer knows how important clean energy is to our continued survival, so this bill could be huge. This bill can pass if they do it now. With Manchin on board, the 50 votes needed from Democrats would be in place, and the House, which Democrats narrowly control, needs only a simple majority. If Democrats lose control of either the House or the Senate after the Midterms, all bets are off. They need to pass this bill while they can.
If passed, the proposed bill will invest approximately $300 billion in deficit reduction and $369.75 billion into energy security and climate change programs over the next 10 years, NPR reported. In their joint statement, Manchin and Schumer pledged to pay for these programs by closing tax loopholes on the wealthy and corporations. If this bill is passed, according to NPR, it will “reduce carbon emissions by roughly 40 percent by 2030.” If Manchin remains on board and Sinema signs on as well, the Democrats will be able to pass this legislation via reconciliation. They, thus, don’t need one Republican on board. Republicans repeatedly show where their loyalties lie, and it isn’t with the American people. This bill can enhance the lives of every American citizen, and it should be passed whether Republicans like it or not.
According to The Hill, Manchin is “standing firm” on closing the carried interest tax loophole, which allows corporations to escape paying their fair share of taxes. The jury, however, is still out on Krysten Sinema, as The Hill reported that she missed the caucus meeting. Sinema was against closing the loophole, but perhaps, she will also change her stance once she realizes this is a good thing for the people who sent her to Congress. Even Manchin thinks this bill is a good thing. The Hill quoted Manchin: “What we have is a good bill that’s fair with everybody. It’s a give-and-take proposition,” and that is how compromise is supposed to work. Now, they need to sit down and pass this bill – immediately.
Shirley is a former entertainment writer and has worked in the legal field for over 25 years