Joe Manchin And GOP Use Dianne Feinstein To Checkmate Joe Biden, Overturn His Truck Rule

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) joined Republicans to overturn a Biden administration rule that wants to limit emissions from heavy-duty trucks. The move was made possible because Dem Senator Dianne Feinstein is still recovering from the shingles.

Manchin said:  “I am proud to support this resolution to stop this government overreach. The last couple of years have shown that truck drivers keep our country moving. However, the Biden Administration wants to burden the trucking industry with oppressive regulations that will increase prices by thousands of dollars and push truck drivers and small trucking companies out of business

“When our country faces record-high inflation and vulnerable supply chains, we cannot let the EPA continue to seize unrestrained power and create regulations that devastate our economy.”

By a vote of 50-49, the #Senate passed S.J.Res.11, Fischer Trucking Emissions CRA.

U.S. House Rep Ro Khanna (D-PA) was furious and called for Feinstein to step down.

He said:  “Because Senator Feinstein was absent, the Senate overturned a Biden rule that would cut pollution from heavy duty trucks and causes harm to people’s lungs. 

“We are putting decorum over democracy and our values.

“It’s time for Senator Feinstein to step down gracefully.”

Feinstein released a statement on April 12th that said:

“When I was first diagnosed with shingles, I expected to return by the end of the March work period.

“Unfortunately, my return to Washington has been delayed due to continued complications related to my diagnosis.

“I intend to return as soon as possible once my medical team advises that it’s safe for me to travel.

“In the meantime, I remain committed to the job and will continue to work from home in San Francisco.

“I understand that my absence could delay the important work of the Judiciary Committee, so I’ve asked Leader Schumer to ask the Senate to allow another Democratic senator to temporarily serve until I’m able to resume my committee work.”

Because Senator Feinstein was absent, the Senate overturned a Biden rule that would cut pollution from heavy duty trucks and causes harm to people’s lungs. We are putting decorum over democracy and our values. It’s time for Senator Feinstein to step down gracefully. https://t.co/qmNsJO671a

— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) April 27, 2023

Woah. Former California Senator Barbara Boxer tells @mehdirhasan that Diane Feinstein needs to return to senate or “consider an early retirement.”

I don’t think anyone’s going to call Boxer ‘sexist’ for voicing what many others have.pic.twitter.com/Le5AXkfB7H

— Sawyer Hackett (@SawyerHackett) April 27, 2023