Build Back Better Act goes to the U.S. Senate

President Joe Biden’s US$1.75 trillion (S$2.4 trillion) Bill to bolster the social safety net and fight climate change passed the US House of Representatives on Friday (Nov 19) and headed to the Senate, where divided moderates and liberals still need to reach agreement.

The House passed the measure in a 220-213 vote, which was postponed for hours by an angry overnight opposition speech from the chamber’s top Republican. Elated Democrats gathered on the House floor to cheer the vote with waves of applause, while disgruntled Republicans called for order.

“Now, the Build Back Better Act goes to the United States Senate, where I look forward to it passing as soon as possible so I can sign it into law,” Biden said in a statement following the vote.