Citation:
The ‘no’ vote is ostensibly based upon
Manchin’s concerns over spending and inflation – economists have said these fears are largely unfounded – but it’s hard to overlook the fact that Biden’s agenda has been in the hands of someone who
takes more money from the fossil fuel industry than anyone else in the senate. Manchin even founded a coal brokerage that he continues to receive millions of dollars from, even after handing over nominal control to his son.
The American climate movement, therefore, has spent the weekend in a state of apoplexy, furious at Manchin, incandescent of Republicans who didn’t offer a single vote for what may be the US’ last serious shot at averting climate catastrophe and angry at Democratic leaders who helped engineer this moment.
Biden and congressional leaders had a moral obligation to play hardball with Joe Manchin, and chose not to,” said Varshini Prakash, executive director of Sunrise Movement. “History will remember Joe Biden and Democrats for failing to curb emissions and save working people when they had the chance. Our leaders have failed us, and we will replace you.”
