WASHINGTON, D.C. – OCTOBER 26: Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) speaks during an event with the Economic Club of Washington at the Capitol Hilton Hotel October 26, 2021 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Moderate Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin (W.Va.) says the role of government should be “your best partner, not your provider.”
Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill on Monday, Manchin said he’s concerned about expanding programs like Medicare through the reconciliation bill. He pointed out Medicare could become insolvent by 2026 and stressed lawmakers should act to stabilize the program before expanding it.
Manchin asserted the government should only provide for people who are unable to provide for themselves.
“If we’re not being fiscally responsible, that’s really concerning. But let me make one statement to you all. The best way to know who I am and I’ve always been politically, in my political life, I’ve always said, I believe that government should be your best partner,” said Manchin. “But it shouldn’t by your provider. We have a moral obligation to provide to those who have incapacity, such as physical or mental, but everyone else should be able to help and chip in and all that. So, that’s my mindset. So, we’re working all towards that. I think we understand each other better on those ideas.”
Manchin also told reporters he believes Democrats could reach an agreement on the framework of the reconciliation bill sometime this week.
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) says $1.5T is still his top-line number for spending bill:
“Government should be your best partner, but it shouldn’t be your provider.” pic.twitter.com/WITEJP8kKL
— The Recount (@therecount) October 25, 2021
Source: One America News Network
