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Senate passes $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package

WASHINGTON — After weeks of back and forth and negotiations on Capitol Hill, the U.S. Senate passed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package Tuesday.

The proposal passed in a vote of 69 to 30, with 19 Republicans joining all Democrats in passing the measure.

The money will go to improving local bridges, highways, mass transit and internet access.

“Our legislation I think is a historic investment to rebuild our infrastructure,” said Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee Chair.

“A real lasting bipartisan victory for the people we represent,” said Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio).

Republican critics in the Senate argued the proposal was too costly, but there ultimately was enough support for it to pass.

The infrastructure proposal has been a key priority for the Biden administration.

“This bill that passed the Senate today gives people what they need to get where they need to go,” said Vice President Kamala Harris.

“We’re on the cusp of an infrastructure decade that I truly believe will transform America,” said President Biden.

The bill now heads to the House.