'A huge step toward fortifying our nation’s infrastructure': Biden's $1.2 trillion infrastructure package passes Senate

On Aug. 10, the U.S. Senate approved President Joe Biden's $1 trillion infrastructure package.

The package passed 69-30, with 19 Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) among those who voted in support, according to FOX Business.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner took to Twitter to voice his support of the bill.

"By passing a major infrastructure bill, the Senate took a huge step toward fortifying our nation’s infrastructure, boosting our economy and strengthening cities," Turner wrote in an Aug. 10 Twitter post. "Investments in broadband, water infrastructure and public transit are critical to keeping Americans safe and connected."

Under the plan, roughly $550 billion in new money would be spent on roads, bridges, waterways, public transit, railways, the power grid and broadband internet, according to Yahoo! News.

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) told Politico that some GOP members only supported the bill because Democrats could have passed it without their votes.

“There were only two choices here. One option is: We do a bipartisan bill. And the other option is: The Democrats do a bill on their own. There’s not an option of ‘don’t do anything,’” Romney said. “Leader McConnell recognized this was a better option than just letting the Democrats do this on their own.”

The measure now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives where it is expected to face several hurdles. 

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the infrastructure package will add $256 billion to the national deficit over the next 10 years, according to FOX Business.

After the infrastructure plan was cleared, Democrats moved forward on their proposed $3.5 trillion budget plan which contains provisions that would expand Medicare, provide funding for elder care and a Civilian Climate Corps.

The massive budget plan was criticized by GOP members including McConnell.

"[Democrats] want to begin pushing through a reckless taxing and spending spree that was authored by our self-described socialist colleague Chairman Sanders," McConnell said, according to FOX News. "We're going to argue it out right here on the floor at some length. Every single senator will be going on record over and over and over."