WASHINGTON — As Democrats in Congress begin a legislative high-wire act to pass a $3.5 trillion spending plan without Republican support, Florida’s 10 House Democrats are urging their party’s leaders to include $5 billion for Everglades restoration in the bill.
The spending plan, which is still facing procedural hurdles as moderate and progressive Democrats debate the best path forward, is a massive expansion of the federal government that, among other things, will include a national paid family and medical leave program, fund universal preschool, provide free community college and expand Medicare to cover hearing, vision and dental care.
It’s also a grab-bag for potential legislation, like Everglades funding, in a bill that must pass by the end of 2021 under congressional budgetary rules.
