News

What s in Biden s big climate and health bill?

August 12, 2022 11:16 PM


Twitter Share Facebook Share WhatsApp Share

Hundreds of billions of dollars for clean energy projects, cheaper prescription drugs and new corporate taxes are a few of the key items in US President Joe Biden's massive investment plan, which the House of Representatives is expected to pass Friday, after Senate approval.

Here's a closer look at the signature elements of the plan, which could offer the Democratic leader a big political win heading into November's crucial midterm elections.

 

- $370 billion for clean energy, climate -
 

If the legislation is passed, it will mark the biggest investment in US history in the fight against climate change.

Rather than attempting to punish the biggest polluters in corporate America, the bill put forward by Biden's party instead proposes a series of financial incentives aimed at steering the world's biggest economy away from fossil fuels.

Tax credits would be given to producers and consumers of wind, solar and nuclear power.

If passed, the legislation would allot up to $7,500 in tax credits to every American who buys an electric vehicle. Anyone installing solar panels on their roof would see 30 percent of the cost subsidized.

Around $60 billion would be allocated for clean energy manufacturing, from wind turbines to the processing of minerals needed for electric car batteries.

The same amount would go towards programs to help drive investment in underprivileged communities, notably through grants for home renovation to improve energy efficiency and access to less polluting modes of transportation.

Huge investments would go into making forests less susceptible to wildfires and protect coastal areas from erosion caused by devastating hurricanes.

The bill aims to help the United States reduce its carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030, as compared with 2005 levels.

 

- $64 billion for health care -
 

The second major aspect of the legislation is to help reduce the huge disparities in access to health care across the United States, notably by reining in skyrocketing prescription drug prices.

If the draft eventually becomes law, Medicare -- the nation's health insurance plan for those aged 65 and older, or with modest incomes -- could be permitted to negotiate prices of certain medications directly with Big Pharma for the first time, likely yielding far better deals.

The plan would require pharmaceutical companies to offer rebates on certain drugs if the prices rise faster than soaring US inflation.

It also would extend benefits under Barack Obama's signature Affordable Care Act -- known colloquially as Obamacare -- until 2025.

 

- Minimum corporate tax of 15% -
 

Alongside these huge investments, the so-called "Inflation Reduction Act" would seek to pare down the federal deficit through the adoption of a minimum corporate tax of 15 percent for all companies with profits exceeding one billion dollars.

The new tax seeks to prevent certain huge firms from using tax havens to pay far less than what they theoretically owe.

According to estimates, the measure could generate more than $258 billion in tax revenue for US government coffers over the next 10 years.



Most Read

  1. Maryam Nawaz can wear uniform! Maryam Nawaz can wear uniform!
  2. Here is all about Madiha Rizvi’s second husband Here is all about Madiha Rizvi’s second husband
  3. Madiha Rizvi ties the knot again Madiha Rizvi ties the knot again
  4. Zara Noor Abbas inspired by Rani Mukerji Zara Noor Abbas inspired by Rani Mukerji
  5. Humayun Saeed and Saboor Aly under fire for close interaction in public Humayun Saeed and Saboor Aly under fire for close interaction in public
  6. Two patients die, injuries of 12 others multiplied after roof collapse at Gujrat hospital Two patients die, injuries of 12 others multiplied after roof collapse at Gujrat hospital

Opinion

  1. Legacy of Indian military subjugation in Kashmir
    Legacy of Indian military subjugation in Kashmir

    By Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai

  2. Islamabad becoming the hub of international diplomacy
    Islamabad becoming the hub of international diplomacy

    By Salim Bokhari

  3. Insights into the Pakistan Stock Exchange's Recent Record High Triumph
    Insights into the Pakistan Stock Exchange's Recent Record High Triumph

    By Zulfiqar Ali Mir

  4. IMEC to sabotage CPEC
    IMEC to sabotage CPEC

    By Dr Asif Channer

  5. 1947 TO FORM 47
    1947 TO FORM 47

    By Dr Asif Channer

  6. Beijing wants to further highlight industrial sector in its country and take scientific innovation to new heights....
    Beijing wants to further highlight industrial sector in its country and take scientific innovation to new heights....

    By Ali Ramay