Democrats face a week that might change Biden's presidency. All eyes are on Sinema

Updated on August 01, 2022 17:08 PM by Andrew Koschiev

Democrats

This week, Democrats can solidify their authority in Washington, establish a lasting legacy for Joe Biden, and enhance their expectations for the midterms in three months.

Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema

First, they must pass a revived climate and health care package through the Senate using their minuscule majority, securing the vote of moderate Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who has yet to sign off on a bill that may not save Democrats in November but may give them a massive new win to run on.

Republican blockade

Tensions are soaring between the parties, especially over a Republican blockade of a plan to pay health treatment for veterans exposed to burn pits in America's foreign wars. The GOP was accused of brutality, and Mitch McConnell appeared outmaneuvered.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and moderate West Virginia

Last week, there was no climate opening. The pact between Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and moderate West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin opened up options for the party. Democrats are trying to approve the bill this week before a Senate recess hampers its momentum.

50-50 Senate

Sinema's vote in the 50-50 Senate is as important as Manchin's. She opposes removing the Senate filibuster to advance Democratic bills. She helped rewrite Biden's Build Back Better bill before Manchin blocked it.

Now there are questions about whether she will support Manchin-Schumer tax reforms affecting private equity investors. As the 50th Democrat needed to pass the proposal with Kamala Harris' tie-breaking vote, Sinema has significant influence to demand modifications that endanger the bill's frail basis.

She has so far avoided providing her judgment on the arrangement.

"State of the Union"

Manchin said on "State of the Union" on Sunday that he hadn't spoken to Sinema since agreeing with Schumer. He praised his Arizona colleague's work on cutting prescription drug prices, an aim of the new draught law.

Manchin

“When she sees the whole spectrum of what we're doing and all the energy we're bringing in — all the price reductions and fighting inflation by bringing costs down, by having more energy – hopefully, she'll be pleased about it,” Manchin added. She'll decide, though. Respect."

Manchin covered Sunday TV

Manchin covered Sunday TV chat shows to illustrate his power in a closely split Senate, always with an eye on voters in a red state. Manchin has again put his impoverished, little state at the center of Washington policymaking.

Biden's agenda

He's also championed centrism when both parties are going toward their extreme bases. After infuriating Democrats by blocking Biden's agenda, he's now disappointing Republicans who assumed he'd stay opposed.

Manchin said Sunday his plan would lower inflation, expand domestic energy production, ensure corporations pay their fair share of taxes, and cut Medicare prescription drug costs.

Manchin-Schumer

The Manchin-Schumer bill would also spend nearly $370 billion on fighting climate change and developing a new green energy economy. It could go some way to changing perceptions of the Biden presidency, which has seen key agenda items like voting rights and police reform founder in the Senate.

GOP senators are mobilizing to try to prevent the passage of the measure, which would represent a victory for Biden and Democrats before the midterms. VA secretary says GOP-backed amendments to the burn pit bill would lead to 'rationing of care for vets.

Republicans accuse Democrats of inserting new spending and complain that their amendments were not included. Activists, including comedian Jon Stewart, have accused the GOP of "cruelty".