- The US Democrats have survived a first important test for the passage of their far-reaching climate-social package in the Senate.
- The Senate voted 51-50 to debate the proposed legislation. Vice President Kamala Harris cast the casting vote.
- All 50 Republican senators voted against.
“The bill, if passed, will meet all of our goals. Tackling climate change, cutting health care costs, closing tax loopholes abused by the rich, and reducing the budget deficit,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The vote clears the way for a tedious process in which senators can submit numerous amendments to be voted on. A simple majority is all that is required to pass most of the $430 billion climate-social package, Schumer said.
Among other things, the package provides for a minimum tax of 15 percent for companies. In addition, according to the Democrats in the USA, the planned legislation should lead to a 40 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030.
With the new measures, the Democratic US President Joe Biden could keep an important election promise. Democrats hope the legislation will improve their candidates’ chances in the Nov. 8 midterm elections. Biden’s party is fighting to retain its narrow majority in the Senate and House of Representatives.