Manchin energy proposal picks up key GOP vote but still faces tough path to passage

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Sen. Joe Manchin picked up a key Republican vote for attaching his energy reform proposal to a government funding bill Thursday in the form of Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, but it's still not clear if it has enough support to pass. 

Capito, R-W.Va., told reporters that the details of the bill from Manchin, D-W.Va., in support of the Mountain Valley Pipeline project in their home state were important for her. She said she supports the bill and supports including it on an upcoming "continuing resolution" bill to fund the government.

Congress must pass a funding bill by the end of next week or else trigger a partial government shutdown.

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., calls on a reporter during a press conference about the Democrats' reconciliation bill. (Tyler Olson/Fox News)

MANCHIN RELEASES ENERGY PERMITTING BILL, HOPES GOP, DEMS RALLY AROUND IT

But Manchin's bill still faces an unclear road ahead, as some Democrats and many Republicans oppose it for different reasons. 

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., opposes speeding along new energy projects. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., opposes the special language in the bill supporting the Mountain Valley Pipeline, though he did not commit to voting against a continuing resolution. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said she wants permitting reform separated from a continuing resolution.

"I have asked that permitting reform be severed from the CR and considered individually and voted on separately," Warren said. 

Asked specifically if she would vote against a funding bill if it's not separated from permitting reform, Warren responded, "Right now, I've made my ask clear. We're all still talking."

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and many Republicans are opposing Manchin's bill — despite generally supporting permitting reform — because it was tied to a deal for his vote on Democrats' social spending and taxation bill from last month. 

Ranking member Shelley Moore Capito, R-W. Va., speaks during the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee markup. (Getty Images)

"It's possible, but they're not ogling to get nearly enough," Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, told Fox News Digital when asked if she thinks more Republicans besides Capito will back Manchin's bill. "I prefer Sen. Capito's version."

Ernst is the vice chair of the Senate GOP conference. 

SCHUMER, MANCHIN INSIST ON ENERGY PERMITTING VOTE AS OPPSOITION MOUNTS 

Many other Republicans said they are thus far undecided on voting for a continuing resolution with Manchin's bill. The West Virginia senator released the 91-page legislation Wednesday night. 

Sens. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska; Pat Toomey, R-Pa.; Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; and John Boozman, R-Ark., all told reporters they are undecided on the legislation Thursday. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has said she disapproves of doing major policy changes like permitting reform on a continuing resolution, but has not outright opposed it. 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., insisted Tuesday that Sen Joe Manchin's permitting reform bill will be in the continuing resolution and that it will pass.  (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said Thursday he has concerns about Manchin's bill.

Sen Steve Daines, R-Mont., meanwhile told Fox News Digital that Capito's support doesn't change his opposition.

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"She has her own issue with West Virginia there with the pipeline, and we understand that," Daines said. He emphasized a part of the Clean Water Act known as Section 401 that he said Manchin's bill does not go "far enough" to change.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., would not say if he has the votes to pass permitting reform and a continuing resolution when asked by Fox News Digital on Thursday.

"I'm working hard to have it pass," Schumer said.