Manchin guides Republican Senators in amending rule regarding migrant children

Senator Joe Manchin, formerly a Democrat and now Independent from West Virginia, is leading 45 Senate GOP colleagues in a resolution to overturn a Biden administration rule that pertains to the care of unaccompanied migrant children.

Manchin is critical of a mandate by the Department of Health and Human Services that he believes could lead to inadequate vetting of sponsors for migrant children, allowing individuals with criminal histories to act as sponsors without disqualification.

In a statement, Manchin expressed concern over the safety of migrant children and criticized the administration for implementing rules that could put them in the hands of unvetted sponsors.

Manchin’s office also raised concerns about restrictions on whistleblowers’ rights to report misconduct in the program to Congress and the HHS inspector general.

HHS officials defend the new rule as an improvement over previous standards and emphasize their commitment to the well-being of unaccompanied children in their care.

Manchin has the ability to force a vote on the resolution, which cannot be filibustered as a delay tactic, according to The Hill.

The resolution would need to pass both the Senate and House and be signed by the President to overturn the current rule, as reported by The Hill.