Manchin says he won’t vote for mass spending, climate bill, dealing blow to Biden

West Virginia Democrat feared the bill’s mass spending and climate provisions may worsen inflation. "I just can't," he said.

By John Solomon

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) declared Sunday he won't vote for President Joe Biden's Build Back Better Act, saying he feared the bill's mass spending and climate provisions may worsen inflation.

"This is a no," Manchin told "Fox News Sunday." "I have tried everything I know to do."

The West Virginia Democrat's decision all but dooms Biden's signature legislation in an evenly divided Senate.

Manchin said he was concerned about the continuing effects of the pandemic, inflation, and geopolitical unrest. His decision came after an intense lobbying campaign by the president and fellow Democrats failed to change his mind.

"If I can't go home and explain to the people of West Virginia I can't vote for and I cannot vote to continue with this piece of legislation. I just can't. I've tried everything humanly possible. I can't get there."