Is America Better or Worse Off if Biden's Build Back Better Plan Becomes Law?

A key part of President Joe Biden's agenda is in jeopardy. Is it a major loss, or are we better off without it?

Moderate Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) has been a major opponent of Biden's multi trillion-dollar spending plan and said this week that he won't vote for it. Many Republicans and business groups, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, side with Manchin and argue that the plan is bad for the economy. Most other Democrats, as well as some labor unions, have criticized Manchin's opposition, with some accusing him of corruption in favor of fossil fuels over clean energy. The $1.75 trillion plan is a significantly reduced version of Biden's initial $3.5 trillion proposal. Many Democrats say the plan's costs will be offset by the money it raises through a wealth tax and other measures. Republicans tout an analysis from the Congressional Budget Office that estimates the plan will add $367 billion to the national debt by 2031.

Left-rated voices argue that the plan will fight climate change and inject money into impoverished areas, and focus on potential consequences if the plan fails. Right-rated voices say the plan will worsen inflation while piling onto the national debt; some paint Democrats' failure to pass the bill as an example of Biden's purported shortcomings as president. Some on the left highlight poll data that suggests West Virginians support Build Back Better and frame that as evidence of Manchin's corruption. Some on the right highlight data that says West Virginians oppose the plan.