Senate approves economic package, moves to House for vote

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate has approved Democrats' big election-year economic package. The legislation is less ambitious than President Joe Biden’s original domestic goals. But it embodies deep-rooted party dreams of slowing global warming, moderating pharmaceutical costs and taxing big corporations. Debate began Saturday and went around the clock into Sunday afternoon. Democrats had swatted down some three dozen Republican efforts to torpedo the legislation. Biden told reporters at the White House, “I think it’s gonna pass.” The House seems on track to provide final congressional approval when it returns briefly from summer recess on Friday.

“I’m especially proud the legislation includes two provisions I introduced to cap insulin costs for Medicare patients at $35 a month, and to limit the cost of prescription drugs for seniors. This bill will strengthen health care access and lower health care costs for people across Georgia. I’m thrilled we were finally able to pass this historic, once-in-a-generation investment in our country’s future that will lower costs for Georgians, create clean energy jobs and reduce the deficit all at the same time.” said Senator Raphael Warnock.

“Today the Senate passed major legislation aimed at helping seniors afford prescriptions, building an energy-independent economy, cutting pollution, and reducing the deficit. I’m pleased this bill included my Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act to boost U.S. production of solar technology and help Georgia continue to grow as a high-tech manufacturing and renewable energy powerhouse.” said Senator Jon Ossoff.