McConnell floats letting Manchin keep energy committee chairmanship in a party-switch deal

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell floated on Wednesday the possibility of allowing Sen. Joe Manchin III to keep his committee chairmanship in a party-switch deal that would give Republicans majority control of the upper chamber.

Mr. McConnell, Kentucky Republican, said during an appearance on Hugh Hewitt’s radio show that the GOP had been courting the West Virginia Democrat to defect for some time. While prior attempts failed, Mr. McConnell said Mr. Manchin’s opposition to the White House’s $1.75 trillion social welfare and climate change bill has created a new opportunity.

“I think what...