On Friday, the House of Representatives narrowly passed President Joe Biden’s massive social spending and climate bill known as Build Back Better. The plan would spend roughly $2 trillion over 10 years on measures including free universal pre-K. It would also invest more than a half-trillion dollars on renewable energy and climate resilience. But the bill faces an uncertain road ahead in the Senate. At an event in Long Branch, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and others highlighted the potential positive environmental impact of the House version and put the onus on the Senate.
“If there’s no SALT, there’s no bill,” said Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), referring to the bill’s provision that would raise the cap on state and local tax deductions. “Obviously, the Senate has its own will and will work its way. The essence of the bill I believe will stay,” Menendez said.
