Debt Deal Victory for Joe Manchin Sparks Pipeline Controversy.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy needs every vote he can get from both parties to pass the spending deal he struck with White House negotiators, and he can count on the support of at least one Senate Democrat, Joe Manchin, who secured a provision to allow the construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline in exchange for his vote. The $6.6 billion natural gas pipeline was previously withdrawn amid consternation from liberal colleagues and environmental groups, but the new deal includes language to prevent a similar hang-up in the courts. Manchin's support is crucial in getting McCarthy's deal past Republican hardliners.