Pass The Same-Sex Marriage, Prescription Drug, And Semiconductor Bills!

 

Even if they weren't enormously popular, passing these bills now is the right thing to do:

The first major prescription drug legislation in nearly 20 years. More than $50 billion to subsidize computer chip manufacturing and research. A bill that would enshrine protection for same-sex marriage.

After a turbulent stretch in which much of President Biden’s legislative agenda seemed to be foundering, the president and his party may be on the cusp of significant wins in Congress that the White House hopes will provide at least a modest political boost.

Most politically resonant is a bill to let Medicare negotiate drug prices, a hugely popular idea that Democrats have been pursuing for more than 20 years. Even before that — possibly within days — Congress is likely to pass a bill providing $52 billion to the U.S. semiconductor industry, intended to bolster the U.S. economy and cut China’s influence. “We’re close, so let’s get it done,” Biden said of the bill on Monday. “So much depends on it.”  [snip]

The Medicare drug bill is especially notable, despite only covering some medications, since it marks the most significant drug pricing legislation since 2003. Polls show that health care, and the cost of prescription drugs in particular, consistently rank as a top voter concern. The bill would also provide a two-year extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that would prevent health insurance premiums from rising significantly for many people.  [snip]

The semiconductor bill would also provide tens of billions of dollars for the National Science Foundation and regional tech start-ups. Semiconductors are vital to an array of technological products, and China has been investing billions to make itself the leader in the field. While strategists said the bill would be harder for Democrats to message given its impact will be felt over years, not months, the legislation could eventually help address rising car prices that have in part been fueled by a chip shortage.  [snip]

Meanwhile, a bill that Democrats offered to codify same-sex marriage recently attracted 47 Republican votes in the House, surprising leaders of both parties and igniting a push by Senate Democrats to pass the legislation in their chamber as well.

Neither the prescription drug or semiconductor bill is all of what the Biden Administration wanted, but in this Congress any incremental change for the better is a victory.  It may only be a one- day story in the puerile, click- bait media, which makes it the Democrats' job to promote them as more examples of "getting things done" for senior citizens and for a competitive technological base essential to our national security.  For once, they need to be up to the challenge.

Passing the same-sex marriage bill should be a no- brainer for Democrats (as should be bills to protect access to abortion and contraception).  Let the Republican/ Christofascist party be on the record taking away freedoms from the American people.