US Senate works in rare Saturday session on $1T infrastructure bill

Cars drive along Tonnele Ave at the end of a road work in Union City, New Jersey, March 31, 2021. The U.S. Senate workedk Saturday on a bill that would spend $1 trillion on roads, rail lines and other infrastructure.

Cars drive along Tonnele Ave at the end of a road work in Union City, New Jersey, March 31, 2021. The U.S. Senate workedk Saturday on a bill that would spend $1 trillion on roads, rail lines and other infrastructure. (Eduardo Munoz, Reuters)


2 photos
Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate in a rare Saturday session worked on a bill that would spend $1 trillion on roads, rail lines, and other infrastructure, as lawmakers from both parties sought to advance President Joe Biden's top legislative priority.

The ambitious plan has the backing of Democrats and Republicans alike and has already cleared two hurdles by broad margins in the closely divided Senate.

But so far lawmakers have not seen the final text of the bill, which includes about $550 billion in new spending and was still being written on Saturday. Earlier votes were for a shell bill that will incorporate the actual legislation once it is complete.

U.S. Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor that the bipartisan group working on the legislation needed additional time.

"The staffs are still working and say they will have the final legislative text ready tomorrow," Schumer said on Saturday night.

"When the legislative text is ready, I will offer it as the substitute amendment and after that, we can begin voting on amendments," the top Senate Democrat said.

After passing the $1 trillion bill, Schumer aims to push forward on a sweeping $3.5 trillion package that focuses on climate change and home care for the elderly and children. That faces staunch Republican opposition and some dissent among moderate Democrats.

"The Senate is going to move forward on both tracks of infrastructure before the beginning of the August recess. The longer it takes to finish, the longer we'll be here. But we're going to get the job done," Schumer said earlier on Saturday.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks to reporters about the bipartisan infrastructure bill at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., July 28, 2021.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks to reporters about the bipartisan infrastructure bill at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., July 28, 2021. (Photo: Elizabeth Frantz, Reuters)

The Senate voted 66-28 on Friday to take up the bill, with 16 Republicans joining all 48 Democrats and two independents in support.

The package would dramatically increase the nation's spending on roads, bridges, transit and airports. Supporters predicted it will ultimately pass the Senate and House of Representatives, eventually reaching Biden's desk for him to sign it into law.

It includes about $550 billion in new spending, on top of $450 billion that was previously approved. It also includes money for eliminating lead water pipes and building electric vehicle charging stations.

The bill does not include funding for most climate change and social initiatives that Democrats aim to pass in the separate $3.5 trillion measure without Republican support.

Democrats hold razor-thin margins in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, meaning the party must stick together to achieve its legislative goals.

Progressive members of the House Democratic caucus have already suggested the $1 trillion package is inadequate, and the Senate could likewise impose changes that could complicate its chances of becoming law.

But supporters, including Schumer and Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have been optimistic about its prospects.

Contributing: Ted Hesson, Andy Sullivan and Makini Brice

Photos

Related stories

Most recent Politics stories

Related topics

Politics
Susan Cornwell

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast