In the last twelve months, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has kept his pledge to not support legislation that would negatively impact the U.S. economy. Resisting great pressure from the left, Manchin has thwarted several Biden-administration pushed spending bills in recent months but last week switched gears and voted to push one through. On Sunday, Manchin was confronted by Fox News anchor Bret Baier.
Baier held Manchin’s feet to the fire during the interview on “Fox News Sunday.” Baier repeatedly reminded Manchin of his pledges and asserted that the so-called Inflation Reduction Act violated Manchin’s past positions.
Baier noted that in 2010 (and again last month), Manchin said, “I don’t think during a time of recession you mess with any of the taxes or increase any taxes.”
Baier pressed: “Now technically we’re in a recession, and technically, according to multiple different organizations, this bill does raise taxes.”
Baier’s comments were supported by analysis from the Tax Foundation and Americans for Tax Reform, according to Blaze Media.
Manchin responded by claiming the bill does not raise taxes, but, rather, closes tax loopholes.
According to Town Hall, “Manchin claims the bill does not raise taxes and will reduce our 9.1% inflation rate.”
Analysis from a study by the University of Pennsylvania Wharton Budget Model disagrees. According to their report, “We estimate that the Inflation Reduction Act will produce a very small increase in inflation for the first few years, up to 0.05 percent in 2024.”
Undeterred by multiple reports, Manchin said, “They’re wrong; it does not raise taxes.”
Watch:
Sen-Manchin-dodges-questions-on-2024-election
On the topic of inflation, Baier reminded Manchin that last March he claimed President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 pandemic relief bill would not trigger inflation, but it has had a devastating impact on the economy.
“Why should Americans believe you now when you say that this bill will not exacerbate inflation?” Baier asked.
“I’ll make sure I don’t make that mistake again,” Manchin responded, knowing full well he will have no ability to correct the mistake once the spending bill is approved and in motion.
Acknowledging he was wrong in the past, Manchin said, “Bottom line, I’ll make sure I didn’t make that mistake again … that’s why I was extra cautious right now.”
When Baier pointed to the multiple studies which show the Democrat-pushed plan is fiscally irresponsible, Manchin said he “respectfully disagrees.”
Notably, Manchin did not comment on why the reports were wrong.
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