Dire end to Biden’s first year as Manchin says no on signature bill

Senator's announcement deals huge blow to president's agenda and kicks off fiery recriminations among Democrats

Joe Biden had hoped to end his first year in office by signing his signature bill, the Build Back Better Act, a $1.75tn spending package that includes massive investments in healthcare, childcare and climate initiatives.

Instead, the president is ending the year with a member of his own party dealing a devastating blow to his legislative agenda and potentially Democrats' prospects in next year's midterm elections.