Sen. Joe Manchin and Former Sen. Rob Portman Express Disappointment in Congress

In a rare display of bipartisan unity, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and former Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) came together in a joint interview to express their deep disappointment in the current state of Congress. Both men lamented the dysfunction and lack of progress in the legislative body, with Manchin going so far as to say that Americans should be “ashamed” of what is happening in the 118th Congress.

The House has been mired in gridlock for months, struggling to pass any meaningful legislation and constantly facing leadership challenges. Portman described the current situation as “dysfunctional,” a sentiment echoed by many on both sides of the political aisle.

Both Manchin and Portman expressed their frustration with their respective parties. Manchin has been at odds with the Biden administration, while Portman was a vocal critic of former President Trump before retiring from the Senate in 2022. Despite their differences, neither man committed to endorsing either Biden or Trump.

Manchin placed blame on both the Biden administration and House Republicans for the current state of affairs, particularly highlighting the failure to pass a bipartisan Senate border security bill earlier this year. Portman emphasized the importance of bipartisanship in solving the country’s problems, a sentiment he cherished during his time in the Senate.

The announcement earlier this year that Manchin will not seek reelection has added another layer of complexity to the already contentious battle for control of the Senate. With his seat likely to be filled by a Republican, the race for the majority has become even tighter as both parties vie for control.

As the country grapples with political polarization and legislative gridlock, the voices of Manchin and Portman serve as a reminder of the importance of finding common ground and working together to address the challenges facing the nation.