ToplineAfter lawmakers voted to move the bill forward early Saturday afternoon, a Senate filibuster will not stop it. However, there are still questions about the final version of the bill, which is a $1.2 trillion plan that aims to overhaul America's aging roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure.U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D.N.Y.) speaks at a news conference held at the U.S. Capitol, July 13, 2017,... [+] 2017. Washington (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images). Getty ImagesThe Key FactsThe Senate voted 67 to 27 to close debate on the bill. 18 Republicans joined the Democratic majority. This means that a vote could be held on the final passage of the bill this weekend. This vote was critical, but not unexpected. It sets up what is expected to be a long Saturday for lawmakers who will be working on possible last-minute amendments to bill. Conservative Republicans are particularly critical of the bill's cost and claims by bill authors Sen. Kyrsten Silena (D-Ariz.) as well as Sen. Rob Portman (Republican from Ohio) believes that the future economic gains will cover the costs of the package. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Saturday that he expected the Senate to vote on proposed amendments like the one from Senator John Cornyn (R.Texas), which seeks to recoup funds that were set aside for state- and local coronavirus relief funding in order to pay for this bill.Big Number256 billion. According to a Thursday estimate by the Congressional Budget Office, that's how much the bill will increase the U.S. deficit over the next ten years. Republicans are most concerned about the bill's potential to increase the deficit.Important BackgroundPresident Joe Biden repeatedly stated that signing an infrastructure package was one of his top goals. Negotiations on a bipartisan package are ongoing since months. Biden had in March proposed a $2.6 trillion spending program, but this was significantly reduced during negotiations. The current plan includes $110 billion for road projects, including bridges. $66 billion will go toward railroads. $65 billion will be used to expand broadband internet access.Important QuoteMcConnell stated Saturday that he is confident that 100 United States senators believe the bill has flaws. This compromise product was created by coworkers with strong, principled differences in a Senate that has the narrowest split.Additional viewingContinue readingSenate moves one step closer towards passage of $1 trillion infrastructure deal by clearing a key procedural hurdle (The Washington Post).CBO estimates that $1 Trillion infrastructure bill would add $256 billion to the U.S. deficit in 10 years, Forbes (Forbes).
