Sanders grapples with missed opportunity in Democrats' economic plan

[TexasTowelie]

8. I asked first, but I'll answer you anyway even though you ignored my questions.

Manchin and Sinema tanked the Build Back Better Bill because they didn't like provisions within the bill. You can contact them to get their reasons because I don't speak for either of them. The matter was decided earlier in the year and I don't see any reason to rehash those discussions other than it provides the opportunity to bash both senators which I will not do.

The question isn't necessarily how many amendments, but the price tag associated with those amendments. Could a $50 billion project be included with an amendment and still keep the bill alive? Probably. Could a $500 billion project be added? Not likely and still retain the support of Manchin and Sinema.

From my vantage point, it looks like Schumer and Manchin did the end round of Bernie by excluding him in the negotiations for the bill. While Bernie will receive some attention as budget committee chairman, his ability to negotiate any big ticket items are constrained by the agreements of Schumer, Manchin, and Sinema. Despite Bernie's misgivings about the bill, he really only has two choices---either go along and get the bill passed or load the bill with so much spending that it kills the bill. I hope that it isn't the latter because while the bill isn't perfect it is what can be accomplished in the current political situation.

Now how about some replies to my questions?