U.S. President Joe Biden praised the Senate's approval on Tuesday of the "historic" $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan, commending its bipartisan support from both Democratic and Republican members, and asserting that it will bring about a "transformation in the United States." Biden stated that the plan, which must be approved by the House of Representatives to become law, includes funding for the construction of roads, bridges, ports, and high-speed internet and drinking water networks, which will create thousands of high-paying jobs that do not require most employees to have college degrees.
In a speech at the White House, Biden emphasized that this historic investment in infrastructure reflects what the American people want. He added that the approval of the plan, which received support from both parties, proves that "we can work together."
After seven weeks of the Democratic president standing alongside bipartisan Senate members to celebrate a preliminary agreement on reforming the nation’s roads, bridges, ports, and internet networks, the plan was approved. The package garnered rare bipartisan support in Washington's highly polarized political climate, passing with a vote of 69 to 30, receiving backing from one-third of Republican senators.
It now faces a crucial vote in the House of Representatives expected in the coming weeks, but its fate appears uncertain due to emerging divisions within the Democratic majority. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer credited Biden for passing "the first major infrastructure package in over a decade on a bipartisan basis" seven months into his presidency. Schumer remarked, "The road has been long and difficult, but we persevered."
The ambitious plan allocates an additional $550 billion for federal spending on infrastructure related to transportation, high-speed internet, and climate change efforts. Its total cost, equivalent to Spain's GDP in 2020, depends on other public funds already designated for various areas.
The plan's passage in Washington would represent a significant victory for Biden, a former senator known for his ability to garner bipartisan support. However, in a sign of the continuing influence of former President Donald Trump, three Republican senators who participated in negotiations over the infrastructure plan announced they would not support it after Trump threatened political retaliation for giving such a victory to Biden.
Nonetheless, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell voted in favor, recognizing the plan's popularity among voters tired of the historic neglect of U.S. highways. However, its passage in the House is not guaranteed as divisions have emerged among the slim Democratic majority between the progressive and moderate factions.
Negotiations are likely to take a long time, and a final vote in Congress may not occur until the fall. Business circles praised the Senate's vote, indicating it opens the door for long-awaited investments and creates job opportunities. U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Suzanne Clark described it as a "historic investment in our country's crumbling infrastructure." She stated in a release that "turning this long-awaited promise into reality will contribute to our economic growth and strengthen our competitiveness for decades."
**Next Steps**
This plan is one of the most significant issues on Biden's domestic agenda aimed at transforming the United States by spending more than $4 trillion from the federal treasury. Democrats are currently working on the next phase: a $3.5 trillion budget framework that includes significant investments in health, education, climate change initiatives, and expanding social welfare programs. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders stated this week that the budget package "will be the most impactful legislation for workers, seniors, children, the sick, and the poor since President Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal of the 1930s."
After approving the infrastructure plan, the Senate voted to start discussions on the budget draft. Democratic leaders intend to use a fast-track process known as "reconciliation," allowing budget-related laws to pass with a simple majority. With Republicans united against the larger budget bill, every Democrat in the Senate will need to support the package. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has committed to backing Biden's agenda, stating it "helps rebuild the middle class while rebuilding our infrastructure — creating good-paying jobs for Americans and representing a boost for competitiveness and growth in the United States."
