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Joe Biden vetoed a bill for the first time since he became President. The use of the pen upset Republicans, of course, but also a leading Democrat. Joe Manchin expressed himself through a statement, in which he assured that the White House puts its “radical” and “progressive” agenda over the interests of the American people.
The president on Monday vetoed his first bill, one that repealed a Labor Department rule allowing retirement investments to take into account environmental and social goals. The House had passed the bill 220-216, with one Democrat voting for it. In the Upper House, the legislation passed 50-46, with Manchin and Jon Tester (D-MO) joining the Republicans. Both will face re-election next year.
“This bill would risk your retirement savings by making it illegal to consider risk factors MAGA House Republicans don’t like. Your plan manager should be able to protect your hard-earned savings — whether Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene likes it or not,” the Pres. celebrated via his Twitter account.
The one who did anything but celebrate was Senator Joe Manchin. Known as one of the most moderate Democrats in the Senate, he issued a stinging statement against the Biden administration.
For the Republicans, the aforementioned regulation interfered with the maximization of profits, given that it imposes certain conditions to be taken into account when investing for retirement. According to Manchin himself, the ESG criteria “prioritizes politics over getting the best financial returns for millions of Americans’ retirement investments.”
“This Administration continues to prioritize their radical policy agenda over the economic, energy and national security needs of our country, and it is absolutely infuriating. West Virginians are under increasing stress as we continue to recover from a once in a generation pandemic, pay the bills amid record inflation, and face the largest land war in Europe since World War II,” Senator Manchin’s statement began.
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In turn, he remarked that the veto will only jeopardize the retirement savings of hundreds of millions of people across the country. “The Administration’s unrelenting campaign to advance a radical social and environmental agenda is only exacerbating these challenges. This ESG rule will weaken our energy, national and economic security while jeopardizing the hard-earned retirement savings of 150 million West Virginians and Americans,” added the West Virginia senator.
Finally, he criticized the president for disregarding Congress and choosing to “put his Administration’s progressive agenda above the well-being of the American people.”
Joe Manchin has not yet confirmed whether he will seek another term in the Senate. Democrats will face an uphill map to retain the majority in the Upper House, given that they will be defending up to 8 competitive seats, while Republicans could only sweat in Texas and Florida, which seems unlikely.
Joaquín Núñez es licenciado en comunicación periodística por la Universidad Católica Argentina. Se especializa en el escenario internacional y en la política nacional norteamericana. Confeso hincha de Racing Club de Avellaneda. Contacto: [email protected] // Joaquín Núñez has a degree in journalistic communication from the Universidad Católica Argentina. He specializes in the international scene and national American politics. Confessed fan of Racing Club of Avellaneda. Contact: [email protected]