Sen. Joe Manchin appeared to encourage donors to use their influence to help him prove the filibuster should stay.
Filibuster
Frustrated progressives have suggested the leaders are using Senator Manchin as a scapegoat for blocking voting rights.
The senator said blocking Obama’s nominee in 2016 was the “most consequential thing” he did as Senate majority leader.
Under Trump, Republicans passed 14 Congressional Review Act resolutions. This term, Democrats only passed 3.
Only a hard turn toward the reconciliation process has any real chance of resolving the infrastructure impasse.
Some observers claim Manchin’s insistence on Senate unity can be explained by his campaign contributions record.
Koch advocacy group Americans for Prosperity is urging its followers to send Manchin messages to uphold GOP priorities.
Some Democratic aides say the ruling means lawmakers will have to go bigger on a reconciliation package later this year.
Biden has asked the GOP to reconcile the roughly $1.4 trillion gap between his plan and theirs, but they are reluctant.
Biden has extended infrastructure negotiations into June, but the GOP has not proven to be negotiating in good faith.