Democrats reject Sanders' spending bill amendments to expand Medicare, create Civilian Climate Corps

Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who caucuses with Senate Democrats, proposed several amendments to the Democrats' $739 billion reconciliation spending bill that were rejected by his own party on Sunday.

His amendment to "provide coverage for dental and oral health care, hearing care, and vision care under the Medicare program" was defeated by Democrats and Republicans alike 97-3.

Sanders, a 2016 and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, also proposed creating a Civilian Climate Corps, which was part of the original multi-trillion dollar Build Back Better Act. Every senator other than Sanders voted against it, including including Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Ed Markey, who has been a vocal supporter of creating a Civilian Climate Corps.

The bill ultimately passed 51-50 in a party-line vote that included Vice President Kamala Harris.