As centrist Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) weighs running for reelection in 2024, the West Virginia senator is extending his hand across the aisle to introduce a slew of bills alongside his GOP counterparts.
In the last Congress, Manchin held considerable power as the chamber was split evenly along party lines — meaning Democrats would need to get him on board or they’d risk sinking their agenda. Now as Democrats hold a 51-49 majority, Manchin is seeking to establish himself as the bridge between party leaders.
MANCHIN POSITIONS HIMSELF AS BRIDGE BETWEEN DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS IN NEW CONGRESS
If Manchin can remain a crucial mediator between parties, it could place the West Virginia senator in a good position if he runs for reelection in blood-red West Virginia. Manchin has not yet indicated whether he’ll run for another term, but he is considered to be one of the most vulnerable Democrats heading into the 2024 election cycle, as he would be running in a state that former President Donald Trump won by 38.9 percentage points in 2020.
Manchin has long prided himself on being one of the most centrist senators, arguing that “neither party has all the answers.”
“Sen. Manchin has always been one of the most bipartisan Members of Congress and will continue to work with anyone — Republicans and Democrats — to address the issues facing our nation and improve the lives of West Virginians and Americans,” a spokesperson for Manchin told the Washington Examiner.
Here are some of the most high-profile bipartisan bills Manchin is seeking to push through Congress with the help of his Republican colleagues.
Blocking a federal ban on gas stoves
Manchin joined Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) on Thursday to announce legislation that would block a federal ban on gas stoves and prohibit the government from increasing the costs of the appliances.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced in January it is considering a ban on gas stoves if the appliance can’t be made safer, citing concerns that indoor pollution caused by the stoves is linked to childhood asthma.
Roughly 35% of homes in the United States use a gas stove, with that number reaching as high as 70% in some states such as California and New Jersey, according to the Energy Information Administration. However, some experts have grown increasingly concerned about the use of gas stoves, with studies showing the appliances emit significant levels of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can cause unsafe conditions if kitchens are not properly ventilated.
The CPSC has not yet proposed any action, nor is it actively enforcing a ban on gas stoves, the agency said. However, the proposal has raised alarms among Republicans and a handful of Democrats, who argue a ban would significantly increase costs nationwide.
“The federal government has no business telling American families how to cook their dinner, which is why Sen. Cruz and I introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure Americans decide how to cook in their own homes,” Manchin said in a statement. “I can tell you the last thing that would ever leave our house is the gas stove we cook on, and I will continue to fight any overreach by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.”
Challenging Biden administration rule politicizing 401(k) payments
Earlier this week, Manchin joined nearly all Republican senators to challenge the Biden administration’s rule that allows fiduciaries to prioritize environmental, social, and corporate governance when considering investment decisions for retirees.
Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, retirement fund managers are tasked with ensuring retirees receive a maximum return on their 401(k) payments. However, under a new rule passed by the Biden administration in November, retirement plan managers were given the freedom to consider environmental and social issues when making investment decisions.
Opponents have argued the plan penalizes fossil fuel companies and allows for ideologically fueled investments, even at the expense of unknowing people.
“At a time when our country is already facing economic uncertainty, record inflation, and increasing energy costs, it is irresponsible of the Biden administration to jeopardize retirement savings for more than 150 million Americans for purely political purposes,” Manchin said. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan resolution to prevent the proposed ESG rule from endangering retirement incomes and protect the hard-earned savings of American families.”
Pushing for comprehensive border security plan
Manchin co-sponsored legislation with four Republicans and three Democrats that would require the federal government to implement a border security plan before lifting the current Title 42 restrictions.
Republicans have long expressed concern with the Biden administration’s handling of the border crisis, particularly as the White House seeks to terminate the Trump-era Title 42 immigration policy. The immigration policy was set to expire in late December but has since been extended by the Supreme Court after an emergency plea from 19 Republican-led states urging the court to keep the Trump-era policy.
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The bill would prohibit the Biden administration from terminating Title 42 until at least 60 days after the COVID-19 national emergency declaration expires on May 11. It would also require the Department of Homeland Security to submit a report to Congress members outlining its plans to address the influx of immigrants at the southern border.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a record-breaking 2.3 million immigrant encounters during fiscal 2022, but that number is expected to be even higher in fiscal 2023, especially if Title 42 is lifted.
