The bipartisan infrastructure deal senators brokered with President Joe Biden is hanging precariously ahead of a crucial test vote as they struggle over how to pay for nearly $1 trillion in public works spending, the Associated Press reported. Tensions were rising as Republicans prepared to mount a filibuster over what they see as a rushed and misguided process. With Biden preparing to hit the road to rally support for his big infrastructure ideas — including some $3.5 trillion in a follow-up bill — restless Democrats say it’s time to at least start debate on this first phase of his proposals. “It is not a fish or cut bait moment,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said, describing the procedural vote as just a first step to ”get the ball rolling” as bipartisan talks progress. Six months after Biden took office, his signature “Build Back Better” campaign promise is at a key moment that will test the presidency and his hopes for a new era of bipartisan cooperation in Washington. White House aides and the bipartisan group of senators have huddled privately since Sunday trying to wrap up the deal, which would be a first phase of an eventual $4 trillion-plus package of domestic outlays — not just for roads and bridges, but foundations of everyday life including child care, family tax breaks, education and an expansion of Medicare for seniors. Biden calls it a “blue-collar blueprint for building an American economy back.” He asserted that Americans are overwhelmingly in support of his plan and “that’s the part that a lot of our friends on the other team kind of miss.” The other team begs to differ.
