Congress to adopt $1 trillion infrastructure proposal

Congress is expected to adopt a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure proposal on Tuesday, a significant step forward for Democrats as they strive to push through President Joe Biden’s broad economic agenda.

The bipartisan bill includes $550 billion for transportation, utilities, and internet

With Democratic and Republican support, the bill, which includes $550 billion in funds for internet communication, transport, and utilities, is anticipated to pass. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., plans to move on to a budget resolution after it passes, allowing Democrats to adopt a supplemental $3.5 trillion spending proposal without Republican votes. On Monday, Schumer said:

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“After all the long, hard negotiating, the stops and starts, we’re here and it’s a good thing, a very good thing for America.”

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has stated that she will neither take up the infrastructure proposal nor the Democrats’ separate measure to broaden the social safety net till the Senate has passed both. The House will not return from recess until September 20.

The proposal’s adoption will bring to a close a months-long effort by both parties in the Senate and White House to develop a plan to modernize America’s public transportation, railways, roads, water systems, energy grids, and internet networks. For years, Congress has not agreed on a major infrastructure plan that proponent claim will offer an economic boost and create employment.

Infrastructure bill has the support of both Republicans and Democrats

The proposal’s leading GOP negotiator and Ohio Republican Rob Portman said:

“It’s long-term spending to repair and replace and build assets that will last for decades. In doing so, it does make life better for people.”

The Democrats’ attempt to enact their economic agenda may still fail. But, on its own, the infrastructure proposal will have enough support from Democrats and Republicans to sail through the House of Representatives.

In the days ahead, the Senate will decide on a funding bill to begin the reconciliation process. After passing the infrastructure bill, Schumer indicated that the Senate would vote “immediately” on moving on to the budget proposal.

The bipartisan legislation is the first step in the right direction. It commits $110 billion in roads, bridges, and other significant projects, $66 billion in freight and passenger rail, $65 billion on the internet, $55 billion in water systems, and $39 billion in public transportation. Speaking to CNBC, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said:

“My department is ready the moment this bill becomes law to start deploying these resources and getting them out to communities.”