WASHINGTON, June 16 (Reuters) – In a rare display of party unity, U.S. Senate Democrats on Tuesday unveiled a more than $1 trillion infrastructure proposal that they said they hoped to pass without Republican support if necessary..
President Joe Biden’s $1.75 trillion blueprint for roads, bridges, broadband, and other projects is a cornerstone of his economic agenda. Democrats, narrowly controlling both chambers of Congress, have been trying for months to craft a package that can win the support of all 50 members of their caucus in the Senate, where legislation typically needs 60 votes to advance..
In unveiling their proposal, Democrats touted its vast scope and ambition, saying it would be the largest infrastructure investment in the United States in generations. The plan would provide $550 billion for transportation, $400 billion to combat climate change, $111 billion for water infrastructure, $100 billion for broadband internet, and $66 billion for energy infrastructure..
Democrats framed the proposal as a way to create jobs, strengthen the economy, and address the threat of climate change. They said the plan would be paid for over 15 years through a combination of tax increases on corporations and wealthy individuals, increased tax enforcement, and repurposing unused COVID-19 relief funds..
But the proposal faces a tough road ahead. Republicans have already expressed opposition to the plan, saying it is too expensive and that they are not interested in raising taxes to pay for it. They have also criticized the inclusion of climate-related measures, saying they are not germane to infrastructure..
Democrats are hoping to use a process known as reconciliation to pass the infrastructure package without Republican support. Reconciliation allows legislation related to the budget to be passed with a simple majority vote in the Senate, rather than the usual 60-vote threshold..
However, Democrats would need all 50 of their members to support the plan in order to pass it through reconciliation. If even one Democrat defects, the bill will fail..
It remains to be seen whether Democrats will be able to stick together on this issue. The party has a history of intraparty divisions, and there are already signs that some Democrats are not fully on board with the proposal..
Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, a key swing vote, has expressed concerns about the cost of the plan and the tax increases it would require. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, another key swing vote, has not yet said whether she supports the proposal..
If Democrats are unable to pass the infrastructure package through reconciliation, they will need to find a way to attract at least 10 Republican votes to advance the bill. That could be a difficult task, given the GOP’s opposition to the plan..
The infrastructure package is a major test for Biden and his Democratic allies in Congress. If they are able to pass the plan, it would be a significant achievement and a major step forward for Biden’s economic agenda. But if they fail, it would be a setback for Biden and a sign that Democrats are unable to govern effectively with their narrow majorities in Congress..
