Senate Republicans said they are seeking a “robust” amendment debate on Monday before advancing a bipartisan infrastructure proposal, presenting yet another pitfall in the quest to pass the biggest investment in roads and bridges in decades.
Republican leaders as well as GOP lawmakers who helped write the bipartisan bill said they want to ensure lawmakers in their party have an opportunity to change the measure through the amendment process, which is controlled by the Democratic majority.
“Senators on both sides expect and deserve opportunities to have a say and to put their own states’ imprints on this major bill,” Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said Monday.
Some lawmakers will seek votes on dozens of amendments to the $1.2 trillion measure announced on Sunday. The bill provides funding for traditional infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, waterways, and expanding broadband.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, is eager to pass the bill, perhaps as soon as this week. Schumer will have to whittle down the long list of proposed amendments and urged senators to work swiftly to complete the amendment process.
The Senate had been slated to adjourn for the summer at the end of the week but could remain in session longer. Senators will also leave Washington, D.C., Friday to attend the funeral of former Sen. Mike Enzi, a Wyoming Republican who died last week.
“I hope that we can use our time in the Senate efficiently,” Schumer said Monday. “Let’s start voting on amendments. The longer it takes to finish the bill, the longer we’ll be here.”
But McConnell warned Democratic leaders not to cut short debate and consideration.
“Our full consideration of this bill must not be choked off by any artificial timetable that our Democratic colleagues may have penciled out for political purposes,” McConnell said.
McConnell was among the Republicans who voted to advance the bill and will play a key role negotiating with Schumer to produce a package of amendments.
The bill was crafted by a small group of Republicans and Democrats who negotiated directly with the White House.
McConnell called the bill “a good and important jumping-off point for what needs to be a robust and bipartisan process here on the floor.”
At least 10 Republicans are needed ultimately to pass the measure.
Many GOP lawmakers are awaiting a critical spending analysis of the measure from the Congressional Budget Office. Some Republicans believe the provisions meant to pay for the bill will be found insufficient and will result in the measure adding to the nation’s massive debt.
“There are some that are probably in the questionable category,” said Senate Minority Whip John Thune, a South Dakota Republican.
The CBO analysis, Thune said, will be “pretty significant” in determining whether Republicans ultimately back the bill.
