The Washington Examiner just released a report detailing the various ways that U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has acted and continues to act against the interests of his Democratic Party. 

We saw this numerous times in the last Congress, which was significantly different from the current Congress.

Manchin's pivotal vote

In the last Congress, the U.S. Senate was split 50-50. This meant that the Democrats needed the vote of every Democratic senator in order to push through legislation when the filibuster was not in play. This gave Manchin a lot of power, and he used it to stop some of the Democrats' most controversial legislation.

Now, the U.S. Senate is split 51-49 in favor of the Democrats, meaning the Manchin doesn't have quite the same power.

According to the Examiner, Manchin, though, is now teaming up with Republicans - who control the U.S. House of Representatives - in order to try to push several pieces of legislation through Congress.

The bills

For its report, the Examiner highlights three high-profile bills that are being pursued by Manchin.

The first is a bill that looks to block the federal government from being able to ban gas stoves. The bill would also stop the government from placing an indirect ban on gas stoves by increasing their cost. This comes after reports that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission was considering such actions.

Manchin is teaming up with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) on the gas stove bill, but he is teaming up with all Republican senators in a challenge to a Biden administration rule that, according to the Examiner, "allows fiduciaries to prioritize environmental, social, and corporate governance when considering investment decisions for retirees."

The problem with the rule, according to its critics, is that it politicizes such investments, and could result in the penalization of fossil fuel companies, among others.

Finally, Manchin, according to the Examiner, has teamed up with four Republicans and three Democrats to push a piece of legislation to get the U.S. government to address the southern border crisis. The legislation would specifically require the Biden administration to come up with a border security plan before eliminating Title 42.

Background

This all comes as Manchin's Senate seat may be in jeopardy heading into the next election cycle.

Manchin has yet to indicate whether or not he will seek reelection.

But, it is clear that, by endorsing such legislation - among other things - he is looking to position himself as somewhat of an independent, centrist politician who works with both parties.

It remains to be seen if this will be enough to get him reelected.