climateIn Washington, things are rarely what they seem. It’s why Congress labels bills with names they think will be more palatable to the public rather than a name that would accurately reflect the content of the legislation. Notice how many times over the years the word “civil rights” has appeared in legislation that often has had little or nothing to do with civil rights.
Now Democrats have junked the original title of President Biden’s “Build Back Better” massive spending plan and rebranded it “The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.” Clearly this was in reaction to poll numbers showing the public blames the president and Democrats for the rise in food and gas prices, increased mortgage rates and so much else.
It appears the name change and some behind-the-scenes bargaining was enough for Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., to end his opposition to the original bill, which he used to say would add significantly to the debt and not produce the results claimed by the administration.
According to The Wall Street Journal: “The deal would dedicate $64 billion to extending healthcare subsidies for three years for some Affordable Care Act users. This has been a high priority for the Biden administration and congressional Democrats because some subsidies are set to expire Jan. 1, 2023, and affected Americans would find out about their increased premiums this fall ahead of the midterm elections. The change would push the next expiration beyond the 2024 election.” How convenient. How cynical.
The measure includes $369 billion to combat “climate change” and incentives for consumers to buy electric and hydrogen vehicles. Some Republicans call the bill “frivolous.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who negotiated the secret deal with Manchin, appears ready to call for a vote this week.