Senate Democrats pass Biden’s sweeping spending and tax package

The Senate on Sunday passed the $740 billion "Inflation Reduction Act" by a 51 to 50 vote, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the decisive, tie-breaker for Democrats.

The bill has the support of the Biden administration, which claimed it would "lower healthcare, prescription drug, and energy costs," along with reforming the tax code and investing in "energy security" while reducing the deficit. 

It now headed to the Democrat-controlled House where it is also expected to pass – in a vote scheduled for later this week, before going to the White House for President Biden's signature. 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called the bill "one of the defining legislative feats of the 21st century." 

Senate Republicans were opposed to the measure, in part over its tax increases.

"The United States is experiencing a recession and, instead of taking active steps to fix the economic crisis, the Biden administration and the Democrats are doubling down on the dumb policies that created this mess," Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) tweeted.

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said the legislation will "raise taxes" and "increase inflation."