Manchin's comments, made during a radio interview with West Virginia MetroNews's Hoppy Kercheval, underscore how some of Democrats' biggest priorities face headaches even if they got rid of the 60-vote legislative filibuster — something they don't currently have the support to do.
Manchin, asked about a bill to grant D.C. statehood, said the idea had been studied by previous Justice Departments.
ADVERTISEMENT
"They all came to the same conclusion: If Congress wants to make D.C. a state, it should propose a constitutional amendment ... and let the people of America vote," Manchin said.
Pressed if he would oppose a stand-alone bill, Manchin added "Yes, I would."