Democrats passed the $1.75 trillion climate and social spending package.
The massive spending bill was rejected by most Republicans. It was largely passed along party lines at 220-213.
According to some reports, the social spending measure represents the biggest expansion of the social safety net in 50-years.
The bill includes $555 billion to invest in climate and clean energy.
Joe Biden refers to this bill as his “Build Back Better” Act.
Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker, announced the passage of the bill by saying that “If you are a mom, dad, family caregiver, or all three — this bill is for YOU.”
“If you care about the planet and how we pass it on to our children, this bill is for you.”
ABC reports that Democrats cheered from the floor and shouted “Nancy!” Nancy!”
The bill claims to lower the cost of prescription drugs, extend child tax credit, provide universal preschool for children aged 3 and 4, allow paid family and medical leave of up to four weeks, increase Medicare coverage, create jobs in “clean energy”, and build affordable housing.
Biden called Pelosi in Maryland from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda to get a physical and congratulate her.
Biden stated, “Above all, it puts us on the path to build our economy back better than before by rebuilding the backbone of America: working people and the middle class.”
“For the second time in just two weeks, the House of Representatives has moved on critical and consequential pieces of my legislative agenda,” he said.
