US Senate to begin debating Biden’s climate and health bill

WASHINGTON – The US Senate this weekend will begin debating a major health and climate investment bill, Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said today, expressing confidence that it will be passed.

The bill, a trimmed version of President Joe Biden’s campaign promise, earmarks nearly US$370 billion (RM1.64 trillion) for clean energy projects and climate initiatives, as well as US$64 billion to provide secure subsidies for medical coverage and reduced drug prices.

“I expect we will have some late nights and extended debates here on the floor,” Schumer said. “But in the end, Democrats are going to make good on our word to pass the Inflation Reduction Act.”

With the Senate split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans, the fate of the bill depends on the support of Kyrsten Sinema, a conservative Democrat, who has already buried a number of Biden’s reform plans.

Sinema announced today that she has agreed to support the bill, with some changes. “I’ll move forward,” she said.

Schumer said an agreement reached among Democratic senators preserves the bill’s key components.

Biden, who needs a political victory with less than 100 days before the midterm elections, has urged Congress to approve the bill as soon as possible.

“The Inflation Reduction Act will help Americans save money on prescription drugs, health premiums, and much more,” Biden said in a statement earlier today.

“It also makes the largest investment in history in combating climate change and increasing energy security, creating jobs here in the US and saving people money on their energy costs.” – AFP, August 5, 2022