US House votes to pass $1.9tn social spending plan

The US House of Representatives has passed US President Joe Biden's $1.9tn (£1.4tn) Build Back Better Act after facing fierce opposition from Republicans.

The sweeping social spending and climate package is considered a key pillar of Mr Biden's agenda.

The vote came after a record-long speech from House minority leader Kevin McCarthy to delay the vote.

The legislation now faces significant hurdles as it heads to the US Senate.

The Build Back Better Act would expand Medicare, lower prescription drug costs and includes funding for universal pre-kindergarten and subsidies for childcare.

It also includes hundreds of millions of dollars to combat climate change and includes a provision that would allow the government to give work permits and deportation protection to millions of undocumented immigrants.

Friday's vote largely fell along party lines, with 220 voting in favour and 213 voting against. Only one Democrat, Maine's Jared Golden, voted against.