Government, Business

Congress OKs Dems’ Climate, Health Bill

WASHINGTON — A divided Congress gave final approval Aug. 12 to Democrats’ flagship climate and health care bill, handing President Joe Biden a back-from-the-dead triumph on coveted priorities that the party hopes will bolster their prospects for keeping their hold on Congress in November’s elections.

Alan Fram | Associated Press
August 12, 2022
Government, Business

Democrats Say They’ve Reached Agreement on Economic Package

WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats have agreed to eleventh-hour changes to their marquee economic legislation, they announced late Aug. 4, clearing the major impediment to pushing one of President Joe Biden’s paramount election-year priorities through the chamber in coming days.

Alan Fram | Associated Press
August 5, 2022
Government

Senate Gives Final Approval to $1.5 Trillion Budget Bill

WASHINGTON — A $13.6 billion emergency package of military and humanitarian aid for besieged Ukraine and its European allies easily won final congressional approval March 10, hitching a ride on a government-wide spending bill that’s five months late but loaded with political prizes for both parties.

Alan Fram | Associated Press
March 11, 2022
Government, Business

House OKs Bill Easing Budget Strains on Postal Service

WASHINGTON — Congress would lift onerous budget requirements that have helped push the Postal Service deeply into debt and would require it to continue delivering mail six days per week under bipartisan legislation the House approved Feb. 8.

Alan Fram | Associated Press
February 9, 2022
Government, Business

Democrats’ $2 Trillion Social, Climate Bill Passes House

WASHINGTON — A fractious House handed President Joe Biden a marquee victory Nov. 19 by approving a roughly $2 trillion social and environment bill, as Democrats cast aside disputes that for months had stalled the measure and hampered efforts to sell their priorities to voters.

Alan Fram | Associated Press
November 19, 2021
Government, Business

Biden, House Leaders Brokered Late-Night Breakthrough

WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives approved a $1 trillion package of road and other infrastructure projects late Nov. 5 after Democrats resolved a monthslong standoff between progressives and moderates, notching a victory that President Joe Biden and his party had become increasingly anxious to claim.

Alan Fram | Associated Press
November 5, 2021
Government, Business, Safety

In Budget Turning Point, Biden Conceding Smaller Price Tag

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats’ push for a 10-year, $3.5 trillion package of social and environmental initiatives has reached a turning point, with the president repeatedly conceding that the measure will be considerably smaller and pivotal lawmakers flashing potential signs of flexibility.

Alan Fram | Associated Press
October 6, 2021
Government, Business

Moderate Democrats Demand Quick Passage of Infrastructure Bill

WASHINGTON — Moderate House Democrats say they would sink a crucial fiscal blueprint outlining $3.5 trillion in social and environment spending unless a separate infrastructure bill is approved first, a new complication for the divided party’s drive to enact President Joe Biden’s domestic agenda.

Alan Fram | Associated Press
August 13, 2021
Government, Business

Schumer Wants Senate Votes Soon on Biden’s Agenda

WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said July 9 he wants his chamber to vote on pivotal budget and infrastructure legislation before lawmakers break for their August recess, and warned he may delay that summer break to allow more time for work on President Joe Biden’s top domestic goals.

Alan Fram | Associated Press
July 9, 2021

In Hunt for Infrastructure Deal, Every Democrat Has Leverage

WASHINGTON — In a crucial moment for Democrats, party leaders are hunting for a sweet spot that would satisfy their rival moderate and progressive wings on legislation to finance President Joe Biden’s multitrillion-dollar agenda of bolstering the economy and helping families.

Alan Fram | Associated Press
July 7, 2021