Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, SportsManchin Votes to Block Debt Ceiling Increase

Manchin Votes to Block Debt Ceiling Increase

Senator Joe Manchin was one of only two Democrats to shirk party lines Thursday, joining 42 Republicans to oppose a $1.2 trillion increase to the nation's debt ceiling.

In a press release issued prior to the Senate vote, Manchin expressed disappointment in the super committee for failing to reach a deal similar to the Bowles-Simpson agreement, which aims to outline practical reductions to the national deficit.

"We all know that solving our debt crisis will not be easy," Manchin said in the press release, "but it is absolutely incomprehensible that all our leaders are ignoring one of the best frameworks we have: the bipartisan Bowles-Simpson agreement that emerged from the President's fiscal commission."

Manchin joined Sen. Ben Nelson, D - Neb., and 42 Republicans in voting to block the debt ceiling increase. Scott Brown, R - Ma., joined 49 Democrats, including Jay Rockefeller, and two Independents in voting against the measure.

Manchin, who has been steadfast in his opposition to any debt ceiling increases before a long-term financial plan is approved, has developed a reputation for his rejection of party-line votes during his 3 months as a U.S. Senator, especially when it comes to budgetary matters.

"This is not a Democratic or Republican problem," said Manchin. "It's an American problem. Since both parties share blame for creating it, we must work together to fix it."