Inflation bill marking shift in Democratic Party’s luck before midterms?

The US Senate pulled an all-nighter to pass the Inflation Reduction Act on Sunday, sending the legislation to the House of Representatives. The bill is seen as a huge win for the Democratic party with the midterm elections coming up. It cleared the upper legislative chamber with a 51-50 tally, with US Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote.

The Inflation Reduction Act addresses issues related to climate control, tax slabs and healthcare — all of which were on a long list of promises made by Joe Biden during his 2020 presidential campaign.

Also Read: US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi looks to ‘swiftly’ pass climate and healthcare spending bill

The Infrastructure Plan was the last big promise fulfilled by the Biden administration. Since then the Democratic party has faced a string of defeats. The reversal of the Roe v. Wade precedent, failed gun control legislations, increasing inflation and Biden’s falling approval ratings have further damaged Democrat’s already dwindling chances of retaining power in the upcoming midterm elections.

Even history is not on the Democratic party’s side. The party that holds the White House is usually unable to retain Congressional dominance. This has been seen in nearly all midterm elections since 2000.

With the Inflation Reduction Act, the Democratic party is showing signs of getting back on track. All 50 Democrats in the Senate voted in favour of the bill, including Senator Kyrsten Sinema, a centrist. 

Joe Manchin, who is usually another key holdout in the Democratic party, went a step ahead and sponsored the Inflation Reduction Act.

The impact of the new legislation may be seen in the upcoming primary elections on August 9, 2022. Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont and Wisconsin will have their primary polls this week.

Also Read: Inflation Reduction Act: A breakdown of US Senate’s vote

The Kansas primaries this month also showed signs of revival for the Democrats. In the first-ever referendum vote post-Roe v. Wade’s reversal, Kansas voters rejected the overturning of abortion rights in the state. 

Chuck Schumer, a Democrat and the US Senate’s majority leader, attended a presser after the Inflation Reduction Act passed on Sunday. He said that the party was considering this as a positive sign and that the “wind is blowing” in the right direction.