Manchin agrees deal on major Democrat domestic bill | First Thing

Joe Biden urges Congress to pass measure that took extraordinary effort' to achieve. Plus, US centrists to launch new third political party

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Senator Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Democrat who has repeatedly thwarted his party's most progressive ambitions while making millions in the coal industry, has signed on to a bill that would pay down the national debt, reduce healthcare costs and address the climate crisis.

What does it mean for the climate? The bill, which will invest $396bn in energy security and fighting the climate crisis, would cut carbon emissions by about 40% by 2030.

Meanwhile ... Manchin, who chairs the senate committee on energy and natural resources, has taken more campaign contributions from oil, gas and coal companies than any other senator.

How likely is it to succeed? Historically, third parties have not done well in the US, but can occasionally affect presidential elections: analysts say the Green party's Ralph Nader cost Al Gore the 2000 race.