After 18 months of negotiations and a marathon all-night session, the US Senate today approved Joe Biden's climate and health plan, representing a major victory for the president less than 100 days before key congressional elections.

Democrats with their votes alone in the Senate approved the plan of more than 450 billion dollars of investments, which will now be sent for approval to the House of Representatives of the US Congress and the vote is expected next week.

After that, Biden will promote it with his signature.

It passed 51 to 50, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the deciding vote for the Democrats.

The plan is the result of hard compromises with the right wing of the Democratic Party and includes the largest-ever US climate investment, $370 billion to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030.

With this reform, an American will receive up to $7,500 for the purchase of an electric vehicle.

The government will participate with 30 percent for the installation of solar panels on the roof.

The reform also envisions strengthening the forests' resistance to the large fires that have engulfed the western US.

Aid will also be given to the most polluting industries to help with their energy transition.

The text also calls for $64 billion in health investments and gradual reductions in the prices of some drugs, which can be up to ten times more expensive than in other rich countries.

However, some had to give up ambitions for free public kindergartens and universities and better care for the elderly.

/kp/Telegraph/