U.S. Senate Democrats battle to pass $430 billion climate, drug bill

U.S. Senate Democrats on Saturday were set to push ahead on a bill that would address key elements of President Joe Biden’s agenda.

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The Senate parliamentarian determined that the lion’s share of the health-care provisions in the $430 billion bill could be passed with only a simple majority.

Tackling climate change, lowering the cost of energy and elderly people’s medications and forcing some corporations and wealthy Americans to pay more taxes.

This rule requiring 60 votes in the 100-seat chamber to advance most legislation

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The Senate began its rare weekend session at around noon (1600 GMT).

Medicare is the government health insurance program for the elderly and certain Americans with disabilities.

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“Democrats have received extremely good news,” Schumer said in the statement. “Medicare will finally be allowed to negotiate drug prices. ... This is a major victory for the American people.”