United States: Joe Biden's recovery plan slowed down by a Democratic senator

Biden's sweeping reform plan hangs over the voice of Democratic Senator Joe Manchin.

ALEX WONG GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP

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1 min

On Sunday, West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin said he would not support the $ 3.5 trillion in investments the US president wants.

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With our correspondent in New York

,

Loubna Anaki

Since the start of discussions around this reform plan, Joe Manchin has been arguably the least reliable link in the Democratic camp.

On several occasions, he expressed doubts, becoming the chosen one to be convinced and even to woo to ensure a vote in the Senate.

But while the Democrats thought they had the support of all elected in the party, the senator from West Virginia is blocking. 

Which risks complicating the task of Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Democrats in the Senate.

“ 

He won't get my vote and Chuck knows it.

We have already talked about it.

We have already released 5,000 billion to revive the economy and help the Americans as much as we can

.

"

Joe Biden's plan, a crucial part of his Build Back Better policy, to “rebuild America” provides for more than $ 3 trillion over the next 10 years for in-depth reforms for schools, hospitals, housing or the climate. 

Given the very short lead of the Democrats in the Senate, and the opposition of the Republicans, they need the votes of all elected members of the party.

They cannot therefore afford to lose the vote of Joe Manchin who says he is in favor of a less expensive envelope. 

The senator explained on Sunday that it was necessary to take the time to discuss it and not to rush.

While the White House hoped to vote for the plan as soon as possible.

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