Inflation May Derail Biden’s Social Spending Plan

Punchbowl News: “The big question for us — and for Capitol Hill and Washington — is can Democrats pass the Build Back Better Act given these numbers? Will Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) — who has been sounding the alarm on inflation — vote for this bill this year? It’s looking less likely. We anticipate Manchin may release a statement on the inflation numbers at some point this afternoon.”

“The White House, meanwhile, is very eager to point out the economists that say that the BBB won’t worsen the inflation outlook. But, for Manchin, this is really not completely dispositive. He is concerned, at least in part, about the optics of passing another multi-trillion dollar spending package in the face of rising costs for West Virginians. Period.”

Meanwhile, President Biden told CNN he doesn’t know if he can get Manchin’s vote with inflation numbers this high but he will be speaking to him early next week.