Sen. Joe Manchin (DW.Va.) said Tuesday he will oppose the nomination of Jared Bernstein to chair the Council of Economic Advisers.
Manchin’s announcement means a close vote this afternoon on Bernstein and the possible need for Vice President Harris to break the tie on his nomination.
Bernstein will likely need the support of all other Democrats and independents to reach the finish line. All Republicans are expected to oppose his nomination.
The West Virginia centrist told The Hill that he and Bernstein simply have different economic philosophies.
Centrist Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), meanwhile, said he is undecided about the nomination.
“I just have to check,” Tester said.
A procedural vote is scheduled to take place this afternoon, with final confirmation expected this afternoon. Bernstein would replace Cecilia Rouse in the position.
The latest move keeps up the battle Manchin, who faces a re-election battle next year in a ruby red state, is waging against the White House. Last month, he announced that he would oppose all of President Biden’s nominations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Alexander Bolton contributed.
