WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A major investment in the U.S. economy is approaching to combat climate change and curb the effects of inflation. On Saturday (local time) all 50 Democratic senators approved a bill to that effect. This means that the Senate can now debate investments amounting to several hundred billion dollars.
As expected, all 50 Republican senators voted against the $1 billion investment, which would raise taxes, among other things. However, Vice President Kamala Harris gave the reference vote. Discussions began immediately after the vote.
The vote had great symbolic value, as the plans were not backed by all Democrats until last week. Senator Kirsten Senema was the last Democrat to approve the plans on Thursday. She first wanted to change several points in the plan. Senator Joe Manchin and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also opposed.
US President Joe Biden calls it “the largest investment in history to fight climate change” and says the plans will, among other things, create jobs in the United States and help reduce energy costs for Americans. The bill is expected to cut carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030, according to Democrats.
