As the national inflation rate rose a historic 9.1% over the past 12 months, West Virginia’s senators said they’re steamed.
“For more than a year, leaders in Washington have ignored the serious concerns raised by myself and others about the rising cost of inflation,” U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin said Wednesday in response to the monthly release of the Consumer Price Index by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“While Washington seems to now understand this reality, it is time for us to work together to get unnecessary spending under control, produce more energy at home and take more active and serious steps to address this record inflation that now poses a clear and present danger to our economy.”
Manchin, D-W.Va., has been the focal point of continued negotiations over the Biden administration’s Build Back Better policy agenda, with the West Virginia senator regularly citing inflation as a major sticking point.
In Wednesday’s response to news about historic levels of inflation, Manchin said, “No matter what spending aspirations some in Congress may have, it is clear to anyone who visits a grocery store or a gas station that we cannot add any more fuel to this inflation fire.”
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., also said she’s frustrated, posting a statement on Twitter.
“While Biden might be used to creating 40-YEAR HIGH inflation every month, this is devastating for families across WV buying food and gas every day. As Democrats & @potus work to pass their reckless tax-and-spending spree, a reminder: you can’t tax and spend your way out of this,” Capito stated, also referring to the Build Back Better proposals.
The latest federal report showed that inflation increased 1.3% in June.
The monthly increase was driven by gasoline, shelter and food. Energy costs rose 7.5% over the month of June. Gasoline costs rose 11.2%.
The report’s major takeaway was that inflation rose by 9.1% over the past 12 months. That’s the largest 12-month increase since 1981.
Food costs rose 10.4% over the year, also the highest levels since 1981.
And energy costs rose 41%, the highest 12-month increase since 1980.
“Today’s inflation data illustrates the pain families across the country are feeling as costs continue to rise at a historic rate. 9.1% is cause for serious concern,” Manchin stated.
“Items like chicken, eggs and lunchmeat have increased to new highs, while energy costs rose more than 40% in June with those that can least afford it suffering the most. It is past time we put our country first and end this inflation crisis.”
