Manchin calls on wealthy to pay 'patriotic tax'

"Everybody in this country that has been blessed and prospered, should pay a patriotic tax," Manchin told reporters.

The West Virginia Democrat said, "If you're to the point where you can use all of the tax forms to your advantage, and you end up with a zero tax-liability, but have had a very, very good life and have had a lot of opportunities, there should be a fifteen-percent patriotic tax."

Manchin's comments come after the Democratic chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Ron Wyden, unveiled a proposal that would levy a new tax on billionaires to help pay for some of the social-service and climate change initiatives that are key to U.S. President Joe Biden's domestic agenda.