Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said Friday that Congress should focus on “conventional” infrastructure and floated breaking up President Biden’s plan. Manchin, speaking at a press conference with a bipartisan group of lawmakers, said the administration and Congress should take Biden’s plan “step by step” and focus on areas that could get bipartisan support like water, roads, bridges, and the internet.
Biden’s $2.3 trillion proposal includes money for roads and bridges, broadband, rail and water systems, but also includes funding for in-home care, housing, clean energy, public schools, and manufacturing.
Manchin broke it down between “conventional” and “human” infrastructure, and argued that the former could get bipartisan support. Manchin, the most conservative member of the Senate Democratic caucus, is a key vote in the 50-50 Senate. According to The Hill, Manchin isn’t the only Democrat who has suggested breaking up the White House plan.
A group of Republicans unveiled a $568 billion counteroffer to Biden’s plan Thursday that would focus more narrowly on roads and bridges, public transit, rail, wastewater, etc.