Democrats pass spending bill

Last-minute changes to a package of economic spending bills won over key votes Sunday, like that of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz. The Senate passed Democrats’ omnibus spending, prescription drug, and climate bill along party lines. The budget reconciliation process allowed the bill to avoid a GOP filibuster, and Vice President Kamala Harris broke the 50-50 tie. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he wants the House to vote on it when Congress reconvenes next week.

What is the bill supposed to do? It aims to raise $739 billion in government revenue over 10 years and then spend $433 billion on such things as protecting manufacturing and boosting clean energy. The bill would also cap prescription drug costs for Medicare participants and help pay for private health insurance for millions of people. Republicans like Rep. Bill Huizenga of Michigan call the legislation a “spending spree” and said its tax boosts and spending would worsen inflation and damage the economy.

Dig deeper: Read Esther Eaton’s report in WORLD Magazine about how the child tax credit, meant to give parents relief during the pandemic, faced turbulence while being rolled out.