Schumer moves forward with climate and spending bill vote, aiming to bypass Republican filibuster through budget reconciliation
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced a vote on the Inflation Reduction Act, the Democrats’ ambitious climate and spending bill, set for Saturday. This move comes even though the Senate Parliamentarian has not yet completed the Byrd Bath process, which will assess whether any components of the bill are considered “extraneous matter.” With the Democrats holding just 50 seats in the Senate, they are looking to pass the legislation using budget reconciliation, allowing them to avoid a Republican filibuster and pass the bill with a simple majority, relying on Vice President Kamala Harris to cast the tie-breaking vote. The vote on the motion to proceed sets the stage for further debate and approval of the crucial legislation aimed at addressing climate change and economic concerns.