Senators wrapping up $1T infrastructure bill, voting ahead

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearing decision time, senators are wrapping up work on the bipartisan infrastructure plan and talks were underway Thursday to expedite consideration of the nearly $1 trillion proposal, with votes expected in the days ahead.

The Senate has processed nearly two dozen amendments to the 2,700-page bill, a rare legislative undertaking, with more on tap. But none has substantially changed the framework of the public works package, which would send money for roads, bridges, water works, broadband and other projects to virtually every corner of the nation, and is a first phase of President Joe Biden's infrastructure priorities.

One piece of information still needed for the Senate votes is an assessment from the Congressional Budget Office, the main arbiter of costs. That was expected later Thursday. Voting could start soon after and probably would push into Saturday, senators said.

"We can bring this bill to a close very shortly," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

The package looks on track for Senate passage, a rare accord between Republicans and Democrats joining on a shared priority that also is essential to Biden's agenda.

Once the bill clears the Senate, lawmakers will turn to the much more partisan undertaking on the next phase of Biden's agenda: a $3.5 trillion proposal for what the White House calls human infrastructure — child care support, home health care, education and other expenditures that are Democratic priorities that Republicans have pledged to reject. Debate will extend into the fall.

Schumer wants the Senate to pass both the bipartisan package and a budget blueprint for the bigger proposal before senators depart for an August recess.

Dividing lines set, senators are eager to wrap up.

“I don’t think anybody’s looking to...