With Republican senators in the 50-50 chamber uniting to oppose the package moving forward in a key procedural vote, Democrats were well short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster and formally begin debate on the plan. Republicans argue that more time is needed to thrash out the details with Democrats and the White House, primarily how to raise sufficient revenue to fund the once-in-a-generation spending. But Republicans and Democrats alike expressed optimism that a deal was days away. When asked whether he believed the plan would move forward in the Senate on Monday, Biden replied with an unequivocal "I do." Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had dramatically raised the stakes for the package by forcing Wednesday's procedural vote.

Source: Manila Times July 22, 2021 17:03 UTC