WASHINGTON — Sen. Joe Manchin reportedly told Democratic leaders Thursday that he won't support an economic package that includes new climate spending or tax increases for corporations and the wealthy, potentially hindering automakers' hopes for an enhanced electric vehicle tax credit.
Manchin, a conservative Democrat from coal-producing West Virginia and a key swing vote, has been negotiating a narrower budget reconciliation package after blocking a larger $2 trillion plan last year. The legislation cannot pass in the evenly split Senate without Manchin since Democrats need a simple majority vote, or 50 senators plus the vice president.
The Washington Post first reported the news late Thursday, noting that Manchin is instead open to certain provisions to lower prescription drug prices and extend subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
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