The Senate voted to advance a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package after weeks of stalled efforts to reach a bipartisan deal.
Enough Republicans joined Democrats to achieve the 60-vote threshold needed to start debate. The vote was 67-32. Lawmakers will now begin considering amendments.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the White House, and a bipartisan group of senators announced the accord earlier Wednesday.
“We’ve made a lot of progress so far on an historic investment in our nation’s core infrastructure that will be fully paid for without raising taxes,” Indiana Republican Sen. Todd Young said in a statement after the vote. “I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we sand and polish the final product.”
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Republicans and Democrats worked out how to fund water infrastructure and last-minute disagreements over regulations on broadband rates.
The measure includes funding for traditional infrastructure projects that will address the nation’s aging roads, bridges, and waterways. It will also provide $65 billion to help expand broadband access.
Among those backing the measure was Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The Kentucky Republican announced he would vote to advance the bill about an hour ahead of the vote.
White House officials touted the bill Wednesday afternoon. White House chief of staff Ron Klain said the measure would make “some of the largest investments in a generation,” on roads, bridges, transit, and broadband.
Funding is also included to remove lead water pipes and build more electric vehicle charging stations, Klain said on Twitter.
Democrats hope the passage of the infrastructure measure will serve as a springboard to approve a second and much more costly spending package unilaterally.
Democrats have crafted a $3.5 trillion framework that would fund many social spending programs to expand healthcare subsidies, provide free preschool and community college, and much more.
Schumer, a New York Democrat, told reporters Wednesday Democrats are “in very good shape to move forward” on a budget resolution that would pave the way to pass the massive bill later this year and without any GOP support.
Schumer did not answer a reporter who asked about comments made by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema earlier Wednesday that suggested the $3.5 trillion price tag is too high.
Sinema, an Arizona Democrat, suggested in a statement to the Arizona Republic she would back advancing the spending plan but wants to reduce the top line cost.
“I do not support a bill that costs $3.5 trillion — and in the coming months, I will work in good faith to develop this legislation with my colleagues and the administration to strengthen Arizona’s economy and help Arizona’s everyday families get ahead,” Sinema said.
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Senate Democrats will need every lawmaker in their party to back the bill to pass it with a simple majority.
