The Senate approved a $3.5 trillion budget blueprint that would allow democrats to tackle climate change, fund health care, child care and public education, and increase taxes on wealthy citizens and corporations.
The 50 to 49 vote allows democrats to create an extensive package that will carry the remainder of Biden’s economic agenda over the finish line, the New York Times reports.
The blueprint propels a legislative process seeking to create the largest expansion of the federal safety net in nearly 60 years. When the House returns from recess next week, committees in both chambers will begin making the vision come to fruition.
“This legislation will not only provide enormous support to the kids of this country, to the parents of this country, to the elderly people of this country, but it will also, I hope, restore the belief that in America we can have a government that works for all, not just the few,” Sen. Bernie Sanders said.
Republicans blasted the measure as a way of ruining the country’s economy.
“People want to pretend this is just business as usual - just liberals doing liberal things using Senate procedure,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said. “Make no mistake. This reckless taxing and spending spree is like nothing we’ve seen.”
“You’re spending money like drunken sailors,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham. “You’re putting in motion, I think, the demise of America as we know it. You’re putting in motion a government that nobody’s grandchild can ever afford to pay.”
