House poised to approve Biden’s social spending plan Friday
WASHINGTON — House Democrats plan to approve their sweeping measure Friday to strengthen the nation’s social safety net programs and begin to respond to the climate crisis, a sorely needed show of progress for President Joe Biden’s legislative agenda even as it faces more hurdles.
Their attempt to pass the bill late Thursday was foiled by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who held control of the House floor and blocked the vote for more than three hours before Democratic leaders rescheduled voting for Friday morning.
Democrats appeared to have enough votes to pass the package once the House is able to vote, leaving little suspense as to its final outcome.
McCarthy used his speech to attack the bill, previewing his party’s midterm election messaging.
“For the first time in the country,” McCarthy said, “this generation doesn’t believe they’ll be better off than the generation before them. This bill almost guarantees it. They’re guaranteed they’re going to have to pay more and get less.”
McCarthy began speaking around 8:30 p.m. and, as a congressional leader, was able to continue to
