The legislation moved forward with a 69-30 vote, with 19 Republicans joining all 50 Democrats.
What We Know:
- Supporters of the infrastructure bill believe it will boost the economy and create jobs. The bill’s creators, such as Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), released a statement on Tuesday in which they wrote the bill will “create jobs, increase productivity, and pave the way for decades of economic growth and prosperity – all without raising taxes on everyday Americans or increasing inflation.”
- After the vote concluded, Senators proceeded to a budget resolution that would permit Democrats to pass a $3.5 trillion spending package without Republican votes.
- The bipartisan infrastructure bill will now go to the House of Representatives, but it may not be passed quickly. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has repeatedly said she will not review either bill until the Senate passes both legislations. The House of Representatives also does not return from recess until September 20.
- Despite this, the approval marks a victory for President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party. It ends the White House and Congress’ month-long battle of negotiating a plan to fix American roads, railways, public transit, water systems, power grids, and broadband. It also lets Democrats begin to focus on their $3.5 trillion package that will provide more funding for child care, paid leave, and climate policy.
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer intends to begin a “vote-a-rama” to consider amendments to the resolution as soon as Tuesday. Once the Senate passes the budget measure, it may start its recess; Senate will return from its break in mid-September.
Schumer would like the committees to complete writing their portions of the final legislation by Sept. 15. After this, both chambers of Congress will review the bill. Black News Alerts will continue updating readers on the status of the infrastructure bill and the $3.5 trillion budget resolution.
