Senate Democrats near passage of Inflation Reduction Act in marathon overnight session

Washington — Democrats drove their election-year economic package toward Senate approval early Sunday, debating a measure with less ambition than President Biden's original domestic vision but that touches deep-rooted party dreams of slowing global warming, moderating pharmaceutical costs and taxing immense corporations.

Debate began Saturday and by sunrise on Sunday, Democrats had swatted down a dozen Republican efforts to torpedo the legislation, with no clear end in sight. Despite unanimous GOP opposition, Democratic unity in the 50-50 chamber — buttressed by Vice President Kamala Harris' tiebreaking vote — suggested the party was on track for a morale-boosting victory three months from elections when congressional control is at stake.

The House planned to return briefly from summer recess Friday for what Democrats hope will be final congressional approval.