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Washington (AP) — Senate Republicans refused efforts to initiate large-scale debate Infrastructure trading A group of bipartisan senators mediated with President Joe Biden, but pressure was on the rise as supporters argued that they probably needed more time before the next vote next week.
Senate leader Chuck Schumer, DN.Y. Was planning a procedural vote on Wednesday to fine-tune in line with the negotiations that had been postponed for weeks. However, the Republican Party has filibusted, saying that the bipartisan group still has some open issues and needs to consider the final details. They asked for a delay until Monday.
“We have made great strides and are approaching a final agreement,” a bipartisan senator group of 11 Republicans and 11 Democrats said in a joint post-voting statement. Senator said he was optimistic that it could be done “in the next few days.”
Approximately $ 1 trillion in measures over five years includes approximately $ 579 billion in new spending on roads, broadband and other public works projects. This is the first phase of Biden’s infrastructure agenda, followed by a much broader $ 3.5 trillion measure from the Democratic Party next month.
Biden’s top priority is at a critical time, the ability to build bipartisan cooperation in Washington and make investments that the White House considers important to the country’s ability to escape the COVID-19 crisis and promote economic growth. I will raise a test for.
President Traveled to Ohio late Wednesday to promote his economic policy, He called his infrastructure agenda “a blue-collar blueprint for rebuilding the American economy.” He said Americans were overwhelmingly in favor of his plans.
At CNN’s Town Hall, Biden also talked about the benefits of a bipartisan framework, saying, “That’s a good thing and I think we’re going to get it done.” He also referred to the dangerously outdated Brent Spence Bridge across the Ohio River and said, “Repair your damn bridge.”
At another point, Biden was asked by the union’s electrician if it was possible to consolidate Congress to pass an infrastructure bill that would help the area replace the bridge.
“The answer is absolutely positive, yes,” said the president.
Party-line votes blocked the bill from proceeding, 51-49, well below the 60 votes required by Senate rules. Schumer finally switched the vote to “no”. This is a procedural step that allows him to move quickly to rethink.
The bipartisan group worked with Biden’s aides for days to reach an agreement. This is the first phase of the president’s final package of over $ 4 trillion in domestic spending and is the foundation of everyday life, including childcare, as well as roads and bridges. Family tax cuts, education and expanded Medicare for the elderly.
The next step is uncertain, but bipartisan groups claim it’s close to a deal and expect it to end soon.
“I’m not ready, so I’ll vote against it today, but I want to pick up the bill as soon as possible,” said R-Ohio Senator Rob Portman, the leader of the effort. .. “I think it will be Monday.”
At least 11 Republicans have signed a letter to Schumer, saying they will vote in favor of continuing on Monday if certain details about the package are ready.
Indiana Republican Senator Todd Young said he was one of the Republicans who signed the letter and was “carefully optimistic” to reach a bipartisan agreement.
Restless Democrats facing a crowded calendar while trying to realize Biden’s priorities nevertheless said they were willing to wait if the deal was within reach.
“We’ll give you another chance next week, but you’ll have to fish or cut your bait,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.
Prior to voting, a bipartisan group senator attended a private lunch by two leaders of the House’s problem-solver Caucus, Josh Gottheimer (Pennsylvania) and Brian Fitzpatrick (Republican). The group generally supports the effort.
Schumer said Senator was in the fourth week of negotiations after reaching an agreement with the White House on a broader framework for infrastructure spending. He said Wednesday’s vote was “not the deadline to settle all the final details,” as it was at other times when the Senate sought to roll the ball in the debate.
However, Kentucky Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell urged the Republicans to vote against, calling the vote a “stunt” that failed, but Senators “still negotiate in good faith throughout the aisle. I emphasized.
“Around here, we usually make a bill before voting,” he said.
Biden has been in contact with both Democrats and Republicans for several days, and White House spokesman Jen Psaki traveled with the president on Air Force One Wednesday, saying the administration was “encouraged.”
Biden is proposing to pay the proposal by raising taxes on businesses and wealthy Americans who earn more than $ 400,000 a year, but bipartisan groups are nearly 24 hours to find a compromise in package payments. We are working on a system and have shattered boosting ideas. Strengthen the IRS to pursue federal gas taxes or tax compromises.
Instead, the senator of the bipartisan group Trump era rules for drug rebates This could result in $ 170 billion, some of which could be used for infrastructure. According to two people familiar with the talks detailing the terms of anonymity, they also target unused COVID-19 relief aid to healthcare providers and have a multi-year moderation of various federal benefit programs. We are expanding the reduction.
Senators are also fighting for public transport funding. Generally, spending from the Federal Highway Trust follows a formula of 80% on highways and 20% on transportation. Some Republicans are concerned that the ratio will change to 82% -18% under a bipartisan bill, said Senator Mitt Romney of R-Utah.
“Many people are involved,” Romney said.
However, Senator Sherrod Brown of D-Ohio said: They don’t really believe in the word “public”. “
Ten Republicans needed in an evenly divided Senate to join all 50 Democrats to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to formally consider the bill beyond filibuster was.
Many Republicans are wary of moving forward with the first relatively slim package, and the broader Democrats are preparing to pass independently under special budget rules that require only 51 votes. We are afraid to pave the way for a $ 3.5 trillion effort. Vice President Kamala Harris can break the tie.
Democrats want to show progress on the bill before lawmakers leave Washington for an August recess.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has been impatient with the slowing pace of the Senate and has been working to keep the House Democrats restless.
House Transport Infrastructure Commissioner Peter Defazio has 30 Democrats on the panel warning that the Senate’s proposal is inadequate and that he wants to sit at the final negotiation table. I sent it with. Product.
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Associated Press writers Alan Fram, Darlene Superville, and Josh Boak contributed to this report.
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