After a luncheon hosted by the Senate Democratic Committee at the U.S. Capitol, Charles Schumer (D–NY) addresses reporters.As the party presses ahead with its massive economic agenda, Senate Democrats made their first steps towards passing a $3.5 Trillion spending plan.The Democratic-controlled chamber passed a budget resolution 50-50 in a party-line vote after more than 14 hours. This measure directs the committees to draft a bill that would allocate up to $3.5 trillion for climate initiatives, paid family leave, education, and health.This is the first step of the budget reconciliation process. Democrats will be able to approve their plan with no Republican vote in the Senate divided 50-50. The GOP has unified against the proposal, as well as the tax increases on corporations that Democrats intend to use to pay it.After Tuesday's passage by the Senate of a $1 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure bill, Tuesday's vote to approve the resolution was unanimous. Democrats view the bipartisan plan as a complement to their reconciliation bill. This agenda aims to create new jobs, slow climate change, strengthen the social security net and increase the availability of affordable housing.
