On Tuesday, the Senate approved the huge $ 1,200 billion infrastructure package that has been one of President Joe Biden’s most important promises.
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The package has been created after lengthy negotiations between Democrats and Republicans, and on Tuesday it got enough Republican votes to be adopted by 69 to 30 votes.
The decision is described as a significant victory for President Joe Biden, who in the election campaign promised large investments to repair the United States’ dilapidated infrastructure, which at the same time would create many new jobs.
The package now goes to the House of Representatives where it should be secured a majority as the Democrats have a narrow majority.
But lately, there has been disagreement among Democrats who can put sledges in the way. Some of the more left-wing Democrats believe it does not go far enough.
Scaled down
The package, which was adopted on Tuesday, is a scaled-down version of the original package of 2.3 trillion that the Democrats wanted.
Such a package, now increased to 3.5 trillion, the Democrats will push through at a later date. Among other things, it will be financed with increased taxes on the richest.
A number of measures, such as increased investment in child care, elderly care, climate change and other programs, were taken to negotiate a package that moderate Republicans could accept.
Nevertheless, negotiations on details in the package have dragged on for several weeks until agreement was finally reached.
Jobs and investments
In any case, many Republicans have been eager to pass an infrastructure package that contributes to jobs and investment in their own constituencies. However, the most conservative Republicans believe that the package is too expensive.
The package allocates $ 550 billion in new money in addition to planned investments for roads, bridges, broadband and securing coastal areas against climate change and infrastructure against cyber attacks.
Public transport receives support, as do railways and airports. The United States’ dilapidated water mains can also be largely replaced with money from the package.
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