Democrats battle to pass bill on energy, tax

WASHINGTON－The United States Senate on Saturday began debating a Democratic bill to address key elements of President Joe Biden's agenda－tackling climate change, reducing the costs of medication for the elderly and energy, while forcing corporations and the wealthy to pay more taxes.

The debate began after the Senate voted 51-50 to move ahead with the legislation. Vice-President Kamala Harris broke a tie vote, with all 50 Republicans in opposition.

Democrats and Republicans were poised to reject each other's amendments, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer maneuvered to keep his 50-member caucus united behind a bill that was negotiated over several months. If even one Democrat were to peel off, the entire effort would be doomed in the evenly split Senate.