WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate passed a sweeping $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill Thursday, marking the largest investment in America’s transportation and utility systems in more than half a century.
The legislation, which passed 68-32 in a rare bipartisan vote, allocates funds for highway repairs, bridge replacements, passenger rail expansion, electric vehicle charging networks, and broadband internet deployment in underserved communities.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild the backbone of our economy,” said Sen. Maria Gonzales (D-CA), one of the bill’s lead sponsors. “From rural roads to urban transit, this investment touches every corner of America.”
The package includes $110 billion for roads and bridges, $66 billion for passenger and freight rail, $65 billion for broadband expansion, and $55 billion for water infrastructure. Electric vehicle charging stations would be established along every major U.S. highway corridor under the measure.
The White House has indicated President Biden will sign the bill, calling it “a critical step forward” for American competitiveness. The bill now moves to the House, where leadership has promised swift action.
Critics have raised concerns about the bill’s cost, with some fiscal conservatives arguing the spending could stoke inflation. Supporters counter that the investment will create hundreds of thousands of jobs and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Industry groups largely praised the measure. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce called it “a down payment on America’s future,” while the American Society of Civil Engineers said the investment would begin to address the country’s aging D-minus infrastructure rating.
Implementation would begin within 90 days of the bill’s signing, with state transportation departments receiving federal allocations on a formula-based distribution.
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The Washington Herald
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