Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and former Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) shared a candid assessment of Congress during a joint interview on Sunday, expressing deep disappointment with the state of affairs in the legislative body.
Manchin lamented the current state of the 118th Congress, asserting that every member should feel a sense of shame about the gridlock and lack of progress. Meanwhile, Portman characterized Congress as “dysfunctional,” highlighting the challenges it faces in passing meaningful legislation.
Senator Manchin (NBC News)
Both moderates expressed dissatisfaction with their respective parties. Manchin has frequently clashed with the Biden administration, particularly on issues like immigration and border policy. Portman, who retired from the Senate after the 2022 election, was known for his opposition to former President Trump within the Republican Party.
While neither committed to endorsing either Biden or Trump, Manchin criticized Biden for his handling of immigration and border issues, pointing out that House Republicans rejected a bipartisan Senate border security bill earlier in the year.
Joe Manchin (Credits: PBS)
Portman emphasized the importance of bipartisanship, a value he cherished throughout his Senate career. He expressed concern that the spirit of cooperation and problem-solving is lacking in today’s Senate, urging lawmakers to prioritize finding common ground.
Manchin’s decision not to seek reelection in November has added further complexity to the battle for Senate majority, with both parties vying for control of key swing states.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the need for constructive dialogue and bipartisan collaboration remains crucial for addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation.
