Schumer torpedoed by Manchin and Sinema on crucial NLRB vote
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Senate Republicans defeated a last-minute effort by outgoing Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y) to ensure a Democratic majority on the National Labor Relations Board for the first two years of Trump's presidency.
Why it matters: It was a dramatic and consequential defeat for Schumer and the labor movement.
- Schumer gambled that he had the votes without knowing how Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) would vote on the nomination for Lauren McFerran.
- Both voted "No" on a crucial procedural vote that would clear the way for confirmation.
- Republicans had nearly perfect attendance on the roll call, with only Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), who has strong union ties, not voting.
Driving the news: Democrats thought they could install McFerran, the current chair, for another five-year term.
- That would ensure Democrats had a 3-2 majority on the board, which helps referee disputes between employers of workers across the economy, from Amazon to Starbucks.
- "It is deeply disappointing, a direct attack on working people, and incredibly troubling that this highly qualified nominee — with a proven track record of protecting worker rights — did not have the votes," Schumer said.
Zoom in: Schumer was under pressure from progressives to use valuable floor time to force a vote. But he never received firm assurances from either Manchin or Sinema how they would ultimately vote.
- With Manchin apparently off-campus, Sinema was the first of the two to vote "No."
- That left the vote tied at 49-49, with the possibility that Vice President Harris could break the tie, but then word began to circulate that Manchin was en route back to the Capitol.
- Manchin arrived after the vote had been open for more than 90 minutes, and voted "No."
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.
