“This is a global emergency, and this is the first time the federal government has taken action that is worthwhile at this time,” Sachs said outside the Senate chamber minutes after the bill was passed. “This is the biggest climate action any country has ever taken and now I can look my children in the eye and say we are actually doing something about the climate,” he added. The Senate passed the mammoth bill shortly after 3 p.m. Sunday, capping a marathon session that included more than 15 hours of debate. Vice President Harris cast the vote to send the measure to the House, where it is widely expected to pass. The bill, titled the Inflation Reduction Act, provides $369 in energy security and climate investments. The measure includes tax credits of $4,000 and $7,500 for the purchase of used and new electric vehicles, but the funds cannot go to vehicles that have batteries made from minerals processed in China. The legislation is expected to cut climate-warming emissions by 40 percent over the next 10 years. Schatz, the top congressman for the Democratic caucus, told reporters “we’ve been fighting for this for decades.” The Hill’s Morning Report — Biden hails big Democratic Senate win. Next House, DeSantis more ‘scary’ opponent than Trump, Democrats say Democrats passed the bill through budget reconciliation, an arcane process that requires a simple majority to pass. The process allowed Democrats to avoid a GOP filibuster. During a news conference shortly after the bill’s passage Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the upper chamber “has now passed the most important climate change bill ever.” . “It will make a difference to my grandchildren. The world will be a better place for my grandchildren because of what we did today. And that makes me feel very, very good. Very, very good,” added the Democratic leader.