Subscribe Login
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
  • Home
  • News
    • International News
  • Latest
  • Business
  • Cartoon
  • Games
  • Food Awards
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Bookends
  • Regional
  • Sports
    • Sports
    • World Cup
    • World Champs
    • Olympics
  • All Woman
  • Career & Education
  • Environment
  • Webinars
  • More
    • Football
    • Elections
    • Letters
    • Advertorial
    • Columns
    • Editorial
    • Supplements
  • Epaper
  • Classifieds
  • Design Week
Biden signs massive climate and health care legislation
President Joe Biden reacts as House Majority Whip Representative James Clyburn, D-SC, speaks before Biden signs the Democrats' landmark climate change and health care bill in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, August 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Latest News
August 16, 2022

Biden signs massive climate and health care legislation

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden signed Democrats’ landmark climate change and health care bill into law on Tuesday, delivering what he has called the “final piece” of his pared-down domestic agenda, as he aims to boost his party’s standing with voters less than three months before the midterm elections.

The legislation includes the most substantial federal investment in history to fight climate change — some $375 billion over the decade — and would cap prescription drug costs at $2,000 out-of-pocket annually for Medicare recipients. It also would help an estimated 13 million Americans pay for health care insurance by extending subsidies provided during the coronavirus pandemic.

The measure is paid for by new taxes on large companies and stepped-up IRS enforcement of wealthy individuals and entities, with additional funds going to reduce the federal deficit.

In a triumphant signing event at the White House, Biden pointed to the law as proof that democracy — no matter how long or messy the process — can still deliver for voters in America as he road-tested a line he will likely repeat later this fall: “The American people won, and the special interests lost.”

The House on Friday approved the measure on a party-line 220-207 vote. It passed the Senate days earlier with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking a 50-50 tie in that chamber.

“In normal times, getting these bills done would be a huge achievement,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, said during the White House ceremony. “But to do it now, with only 50 Democratic votes in the Senate, over an intransigent Republican minority, is nothing short of amazing.”

Biden signed the bill into law during a small ceremony in the State Dining Room of the White House, sandwiched between his return from a six-day beachside vacation in South Carolina and his departure for his home in Wilmington, Delaware. He plans to hold a larger “celebration” for the legislation on September 6 once lawmakers return to Washington.

The signing caps a spurt of legislative productivity for Biden and Congress, who in three months have approved legislation on veterans’ benefits, the semiconductor industry and gun checks for young buyers. The president and lawmakers have also responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and overwhelmingly supported NATO membership for Sweden and Finland.

{"website":"website"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
img img
0 Comments · Make a comment

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

Long lines, short tempers as fuel shortages grip western Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
Latest News, News
Long lines, short tempers as fuel shortages grip western Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
SANDENA JAMES, Social Media Editor 
November 1, 2025
TRELAWNY, Jamaica – There was mounting frustration in storm-ravaged western Jamaica on Thursday as fuel shortages continued to plague motorists severa...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
WATCH: Americans stranded in Jamaica amid Hurricane Melissa brought home by US non-profit
Latest News, News
WATCH: Americans stranded in Jamaica amid Hurricane Melissa brought home by US non-profit
Tourists commend hospitality shown by island’s hotel workers amid disaster
JULIAN RICHARDSON, Online content manager, richardsonj@jamaicaobserver.com 
November 1, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica – More than 300 Americans stranded in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa departed the island Friday on rescue flights chartered by ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Vaz gets tough on JPS as 66 per cent of customers remain in the dark
Latest News, News
Vaz gets tough on JPS as 66 per cent of customers remain in the dark
October 31, 2025
Like he did during Hurricane Beryl last year, Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has begun to get impatient with utility provider Jamaica Public Service (JPS),...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Much of Falmouth destroyed by Melissa – McKenzie
Latest News, News
Much of Falmouth destroyed by Melissa – McKenzie
October 31, 2025
Minister of Local Government, Desmond McKenzie, says he has been informed by the Mayor of Falmouth, Colin Gager, that the old, historic town was all b...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
WATCH: Golding calls for immediate support for residents in Westmoreland
Latest News, News
WATCH: Golding calls for immediate support for residents in Westmoreland
October 31, 2025
Opposition Leader Mark Golding is calling for immediate relief support for residents in Westmoreland severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. "It is ob...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Golden Krust to provide aid, donations to Jamaica
Latest News, News
Golden Krust to provide aid, donations to Jamaica
October 31, 2025
In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, Golden Krust restaurant group says it is leading an effort in the United States...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Thrifty gas stations transitioning to 24 hour service to support residents
Latest News, News
Thrifty gas stations transitioning to 24 hour service to support residents
October 31, 2025
ST JAMES, Jamaica — Thrifty gas stations will extend service hours in key areas, plus coordinate direct delivery to hotels and essential services to e...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Import duty, GCT on hurricane relief items suspended
Latest News, News
Import duty, GCT on hurricane relief items suspended
Dana Malcolm | Observer Online Reporter | Malcolmd@jamaicaobserver.com 
October 31, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Import Duty and General Consumption Tax (GCT), have been suspended for one month on specific goods and items imported in support o...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
❮ ❯

Polls

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

Archives

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tweets

Polls

Recent Posts

Archives

Logo Jamaica Observer
Breaking news from the premier Jamaican newspaper, the Jamaica Observer. Follow Jamaican news online for free and stay informed on what's happening in the Caribbean
Featured Tags
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Health
  • Auto
  • Business
  • Letters
  • Page2
  • Football
Categories
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
Ads
img
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feeds
  • Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Code of Conduct