WASHINGTON, Oct 30 — US President Joe Biden heads to a climate gathering this weekend without a commitment on tackling global warming after his deeply divided Democrats failed to get behind his sweeping economic agenda.
“But meeting them is going to take collective will, some social consensus, and leadership from the government and the private sector, and I hope that Congress finds the will to pass this legislation.” “On climate, on so many other issues, this bill is historic, compared to anything we’ve ever done in our history, really,” said Massachusetts senator and environmental activist Ed Markey.
The White House released a slimmed-down bill on Thursday offering alternative climate measures and appeasing moderates by drastically reining in the initial US$3.5 trillion top line. It was a double blow on the environment for Biden, as the party’s left flank has steadfastly refused to support separate infrastructure legislation without a simultaneous vote on their favoured social welfare priorities.
“The good news is that most members who were not prepared for a yes vote today have expressed their commitment to support the BIF.”