WASHINGTON – Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked the start of formal debate on bipartisan infrastructure legislation, a core part of President Joe Biden’s economic plan, because the bill text and cost weren’t available as negotiations continue.
The 51-49 vote against beginning debate, which needed to clear a 60-vote threshold to succeed, came after a series of late-night negotiations. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., changed his vote to help defeat the measure so that he could be on the prevailing side to call it up again for another vote in the future. Senators continue to haggle over details on transit and how to pay for the entire package.
But senators from both parties called the setback temporary, with another vote expected as soon as Monday. That would give negotiators time to draft the legislation and score how much it will cost.
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