The bipartisan infrastructure deal senators brokered with President Joe Biden is hanging precariously ahead of a crucial Wednesday test vote as they struggle over how to pay for nearly $1 trillion in public works spending.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans expected on Wednesday to reject an effort to begin debate on a bipartisan infrastructure deal that senators brokered with President Joe Biden, though supporters are hoping they’ll get another chance in coming days. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer scheduled a procedural vote that he described as a step to ”get the ball rolling” as talks progress. But Republican senators say they want to view an analysis of the bill’s costs, how it’s paid for and a more detailed legislative text first. The measure is projected to cost about $1 trillion over five years with about $579 billion of that above previously expected levels. “We’ve told him we’re not ready, so we’re gonna vote no, but we will be ready by the end of this week. And we’ve always thought that,” said Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, a lead negotiator, during an interview on CNBC. “We still have four or five issues we’re discussing with the White House and negotiating with our Democratic colleagues.” Lawmakers are asking Schumer to delay the vote until Monday, or hold a do-over. But with Democrats anxious to follow up with a $3.5 trillion bill focused on health care, climate and social programs, it’s unclear how events will unfold. Schumer said senators are in the fourth week of negotiations after reaching agreement on a broad framework for infrastructure spending with the White House. He said that the vote is not meant to be a deadline for having every detail worked out. “My colleagues are well aware that we often agree to move forward with debates on issues before we have the text in hand,” Schumer said. “We’ve done it twice this year already.” Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky called the vote a “stunt” that would fail, but emphasized senators were “still negotiating in good faith across the aisle.
