MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Democratic Executive Committee is asking U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., to support the Biden administration’s domestic policy proposal.
Committee Chair Shane Assadzandi told MetroNews affiliate WAJR-AM that Manchin has stalled Democratic efforts to approve portions of President Joe Biden’s agenda during the current Congress.
“When he sort of pretends to say that ‘I have to represent West Virginians and they want me to pull back on this,’ what he’s really talking about is his corporate donors, because the average West Virginian would hugely benefit from this bill,” he said.
Assadzandi questioned Manchin’s ability to understand the day-to-day struggles of families when he and his wife earn about $1.1 million annually from a coal operation they own and have a net worth much higher than the average West Virginian.
“Somebody worth $7 million is telling West Virginians that if you make $60,000 per year, you’re not worthy of tax credits,” Assadzandi said. “At some point, we as a Democratic Party have to stand up and say it’s not acceptable.”
The group also asked for Manchin to support changes to the filibuster, a 60-vote requirement in the Senate for passing most legislation. Manchin has argued in favor of keeping the filibuster in hopes of fostering bipartisanship in the chamber.