Public Comment

In the past, both Sens. Joe Manchin (D.WV) and Kysten Sinema (D.AZ) have blocked much of President Joe Biden’s agenda. Now that Sen. Manchin and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D.NY) have agreed to the "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022," which includes $790 billion for the climate and healthcare financed by a tax increase on the rich and big corporations. As far as I know, Sen. Sinema was not a party to the negotiations between Sens. Manchin and Schumer.

Sen. Sinema enjoyed the media attention while we waited for her to announce how she will vote on the proposed legislation. She did finally agree to support the legislation but used her leverage to get Democratic leaders to agree to drop a $14 billion tax increase on some wealthy hedge fund managers and private equity executives, change the structure of a 15% minimum tax on corporations, and include drought money to benefit Arizona.  

Because Democrats are using the budget reconciliation process to protect the measure from a filibuster, it must be approved by the Senate Parliamentarian to ensure that its elements adhere to the strict rules that govern the process. If approved by the Parliamentarian, the Senate will vote on the measure. If passed by the Senate, the legislation moves to the House for a vote. 

If signed into law, the U.S. will be able to show by example progress at the next climate conference in November. Passage of the Act should also help Democrats at the midterm elections.