West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin enraged fellow Democrats Thursday after he asked them to “pause” plans for a $3.5 trillion spending bill. Manchin cited the bill’s price tag and the risk of inflation. The measure would create millions of well-paid, union jobs in a Civilian Climate Corps to combat the climate crisis. It would also expand Medicare, extend the child tax credit and would provide funds for universal pre-K and tuition-free community college. The bill is unlikely to pass without Manchin’s support in the Senate, where Democrats have a razor-thin majority. Arizona Democratic Senator Kyrsten Sinema has also said she wants a smaller package.

New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted in response, “Manchin has weekly huddles w/ Exxon & is one of many senators who gives lobbyists their pen to write so-called 'bipartisan' fossil fuel bills. It’s killing people. Our people. At least 12 last night. Sick of this 'bipartisan' corruption that masquerades as clear-eyed moderation.”