What’s Happening:

Moderate Democrat Joe Manchin shocked the country when he agreed to pass Biden’s latest tax-and-spend bill. Thanks to his support, taxes will go up, paychecks will go down, and the gas crisis will continue for years.

Manchin did it all, to secure a side deal to benefit himself. He expected Republicans to just cower and support his deal.

But now, he is getting blindsided by both a member of his own side–and the GOP.

From Fox News:

West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin expressed surprise the GOP is whipping against his energy permitting bill, which is to be included in the continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown.

Manchin, one of few Democrats supportive of an all-of-the-above approach to U.S. energy production, said he knew he would never get Vermont socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders on board, but did not expect his neighboring state’s senior senator to be against it, too.

Republicans are siding with far-left socialist Bernie Sanders in opposition to Joe Manchin’s side deal.

Sen. Sanders is against it because the bill would speed up the permit process to build pipelines and other projects.

Republicans, ordinarily, would be on board with that kind of reform. But after Manchin stabbed them in the back, it doesn’t seem like they will do him any favors.

The side deal is being packaged with the Continuing Resolution, a bill that will keep the government open.

But without Sanders and Republicans’ support, the CR could fail–leading to a government shutdown.

Republicans are putting forward their own version of the permitting reforms. At least 46 Republican senators are on board with this alternate bill.

It is unlikely that the Republican bill will see the light of day. But this gives them a chance to back the same reforms–while sticking it to their fair-weathered friend Joe Manchin.

Without enough support, Manchin’s deal is sure to die. Progressives in the House have already announced they will kill it–requiring a large number of Republicans there as well.

But Republicans are in no way going to give this Democrat any favors. If the side deal dies and the government shuts down–Democrats are in big trouble.

All this is happening weeks before the midterm elections. Democrats will stumble right at the finish line, giving Republicans a perfect angle to campaign on.

Key Takeaways:

• Republicans joined Bernie Sanders to oppose Joe Manchin’s side deal.
• Socialist Sanders opposes improvements to permitting, over environmental claims.
• Republicans have their own bill and refuse to help Manchin.

Source: Fox News