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Senator Kyrsten Sinema
Photo: J Scott Applewhite/AP
In the dispute over investments in the social and energy sectors in the USA, the Democrats in the US Senate have agreed on a reduced legislative package.
Senator Kyrsten Sinema from the state of Arizona, whose vote was considered decisive for the package worth several hundred billion US dollars, announced late Thursday evening (local time) that she was ready to advance the bill, as US media reported unanimously.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his party colleague Joe Manchin negotiated changes to the law last week and surprisingly presented an agreement.
The background is that the Democrats in the US Senate must vote unanimously for the project so that it can pass the chamber.
After many negotiations, the package is only a fraction of what US President Joe Biden originally wanted to achieve for climate and social affairs.
Manchin in particular repeatedly torpedoed Biden's plans.
Final version on Saturday in the Senate
Majority leader Schumer said on Thursday that the most important elements of the law remained in the most recent agreement - such as reducing the cost of prescription drugs, combating climate change, closing tax loopholes and $300 billion for debt reduction.
The final version will be brought to the chamber on Saturday.
He assumes that she will receive the support of all Democrats.
The House of Representatives could then vote on it as early as next week.
"Tonight we took another important step in reducing inflation and the cost of living for America's families," Biden said Thursday.
The law will help Americans save money and make the tax system fairer.
It includes “the largest investment in history to combat climate change and increase energy security”.
mfh/dpa
