The US Senate this weekend will begin debating a major health and climate investment bill, Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday, expressing confidence that it will be passed.
The bill, a trimmed version of President Joe Biden’s campaign promise, earmarks nearly $370 billion for clean energy projects and climate initiatives, as well as $64 billion to provide secure subsidies for medical coverage and reduce 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, 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.
Biden, who needs a political victory with less than 100 days before the crucial midterm elections, has urged Congress to approve the bill as soon as possible.
“This is the strongest bill you can pass to lower inflation, continue to cut the deficit, reduce healthcare costs, tackle the climate crisis, and promote America’s energy security, all while reducing the burdens facing working-class and middle-class families,” Biden said Thursday. “Pass it.”