Manchin won't commit to voting for an infrastructure bill without GOP support: 'I don't think that's fair'

Sen. Joe Manchin, a key Democratic swing vote, would not commit on Wednesday to backing an infrastructure package along straight party lines, rebuffing a demand made by liberals who want to ensure he will be on board with a broader bill passed without Republican support if they support his bipartisan proposal.

"It should not be conditional," Manchin told CNN. "It should be based on the merit of what the bill is." The West Virginia Democrat did not rule out supporting a bill passed with only Democratic votes, but argued that asking him to commit to backing legislation advanced through reconciliation -- a procedural tool that would allow Democrats to pass a bill with a simple majority -- now is not fair.