WASHINGTON — A sweeping federal infrastructure bill advanced through the Senate Commerce Committee on Tuesday with a 14-8 bipartisan vote, marking a significant step forward for legislation that had been stalled since early this year.
The bill, which allocates $280 billion for roads, bridges, broadband, and public transit improvements across the country, received support from members on both sides of the aisle — a rare display of bipartisan cooperation in the current legislative session.
"This is about investing in the backbone of our economy," said Committee Chair Sen. Williams during the markup session. "Every state, every community stands to benefit from modernizing our infrastructure."
The package includes provisions for rural broadband expansion, aging bridge repairs, and electric vehicle charging station deployment along interstate highways. An amendment addressing water infrastructure in underserved communities was adopted unanimously.
Critics of the bill have raised concerns about the funding mechanisms, which rely on a combination of bond issuance, public-private partnerships, and reallocated federal spending.
The bill now moves to the full Senate floor, where leadership has indicated it could receive a vote before the August recess.
