Schumer: Senate May Work Through Recess on Infrastructure Plan
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told his Democratic caucus in a letter Friday that they might have to change their plans: Schumer warned that they all may have to work through August to pass two infrastructure plans: a bipartisan bill and another piece of legislation that only has the support of his party. The Senate recess is currently scheduled for August 9th to September 10th.
Moderate Democrats and Republicans hammered out a $1.2 trillion infrastructure framework last month that tackled high-priority brick-and-mortar concerns but left out climate change legislation and other items progressives wanted.
The Democratic bill would need to pass through the budget resolution process to escape a Republican Senate filibuster. It would include money for childcare and healthcare along with climate initiatives.
“My intention for this work period is for the Senate to consider both the bipartisan infrastructure legislation and a budget resolution with reconciliation instructions, which is the first step for passing legislation through the reconciliation process,” Schumer said in the letter.
Pass the infrastructure bill. https://t.co/XNoFd3yZhh
— MeidasTouch.com (@MeidasTouch) July 9, 2021
While Democrats have the 50 votes and the tie-breaker with Vice President Kamala Harris needed to pass the budget resolution package, it remains unclear if they can keep their party together. The bill would need to satisfy progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders, who wants a larger package, and moderates like Joe Manchin, who is calling for it to be done without deficit spending.
“Senators should be prepared for the possibility of working long nights, weekends, and remaining in Washington into the previously scheduled August state work period,” Schumer said.
If our aging infrastructure can't handle a thunderstorm today, how'll it hold up when faced with the climate crisis-induced storms of tomorrow? The answer's simple: it won't.
We must pass an infrastructure bill that invests in a green future. And we must pass the #GreenNewDeal. https://t.co/GwYJAbC7rv
— Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) July 8, 2021
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reiterated Thursday that she wants the Senate to pass both the infrastructure plan and budget reconciliation measure before the House takes up either proposal.
“I have said that I really cannot take up the reconciliation until we see the infrastructure and — cannot take up the infrastructure until we see infrastructure and reconciliation addressed by the Senate,” she said.
American infrastructure should be second to none. Yet,
– Our roads, bridges & water systems are crumbling
– Our electric grid is vulnerable to outages
– Too many lack access to affordable, high-speed InternetWe must #BuildBackBetter
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 9, 2021