The $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill hanging in the balance amid Washington squabbling would — if passed — be the single biggest environmental legislation ever enacted in the US. Paired with the infrastructure bill, they are seen as key to meeting President Joe Biden’s pledge to the international community to slash greenhouse gas emissions in half by the end of the decade. Climate change experts around the world are watching the drama in Washington with interest, fearful of the “chilling effect” that the bills’ failure would have on upcoming international climate negotiations. It would be just the latest example of how the US Congress and president have worked at cross-purposes on climate change over the years. The World’s Carolyn Beeler reports.