Senate Democrats announced on Monday the details of their $3.5 trillion settlement bill aimed at strengthening social programs, funding education, healthcare, and combating climate change.
The bill contains President Joe Biden’s most ambitious plans, such as universal preschool, two years of free community college, paid sick leave and family visits, expansion of dental, vision and hearing medical insurance, and extensions to children and some low-income workers .
Spending on health care, housing and vocational training will also increase. The package is expected to be paid by raising taxes on the wealthy and large companies. Biden insists that those with an annual income of less than $400,000 will not raise taxes.
The $3.5 trillion budget resolution I proposed today will allow the Senate to advance a settlement bill that will become the most important legislation for working people, the elderly, children, the sick, and the poor since Roosevelt and the new bill. trade. https://t.co/Cm7fDGgrlg
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) August 9, 2021
All 50 Democrats will be required to pass the bill, and Vice President Kamala Harris will cast a decisive vote.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer eagerly seeks to pass a settlement plan and a bipartisan plan. A final vote on the bipartisan plan is expected this week to open the door to a reconciliation plan.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that unless both pass the Senate, she will not allow any bill to be voted in the House of Representatives. Some House Democrats said they will not support the bipartisan plan unless the settlement bill is passed.
“In essence, this legislation is about restoring the middle class in the 21st century and giving more Americans a chance to get there,” Schumer says.
Senate Budget Committee Chairman Sanders: “As chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, I am proud to propose a 3.5 trillion dollar budget resolution, and we will soon consider what I expect tomorrow. This is a budget resolution that will allow the Senate Take action to move forward with the settlement bill.” pic.twitter.com/10yvkFQp5j
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) August 9, 2021
According to a Generalize In the budget resolution, the plan will “provide green cards for millions of migrant workers and families” and “provide smart technology funding for safe and effective trade, travel and immigration borders.”
“For decades, Congress has ignored the needs of the working class, the elderly, children, the sick, and the poor,” said Senator Bernie Sanders I-Vt.
“It’s time for bold action. It’s time for ordinary Americans to re-believe that their government can work for them, not just wealthy campaign donors.”
In my opinion, this reconciliation bill is the most important legislation for working people since the New Deal. Let’s finish it. pic.twitter.com/F1NDsSsilo
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) August 4, 2021
Because of the debt ceiling issue, Republicans generally opposed the settlement bill.
“[Democrats] Will not get our help to raise the debt limit required for these reckless plans.I couldn’t be clearer,” said the Senate Minority Leader Mickey McConnell.
Arizona Democratic Senator Kyrsten Sinema said that she will allow the process to move forward, but does not support the overall plan. She said the package was too expensive and hoped to reduce expenditure.
