A major climate, healthcare, and tax plan crossed its final barrier Friday, when the House passed it on a party-line vote, sending it to President Joe Biden for signature.
Democratic lawmakers of the chamber applauded when the bill passed the 218-vote barrier for a majority vote, and then applauded and clapped when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi revealed the vote total. The final vote counted 220-207.
“This is absolutely astounding,” Pelosi remarked afterward during a bill enrolling ceremony. She pointed out that all Democrats in the House and Senate voted in unison in favor of the bill, while all Republicans voted against it.
Outside her Capitol office, she and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer congratulated each other. When asked when they thought the caucus would stay united, Hoyer replied, “We were certain.” He also projected that the Democrats will keep their majority in the midterm elections, as members will now endeavor to communicate the benefits of the law to constituents.
