GOP blocks infrastructure debate as negotiators near deal | TheHill

The 49-51 vote fell short of the 60 needed to advance what is effectively stand-in legislation that senators will swap the bipartisan group’s text into once it is finished.Senate Majority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerDemocrats lay out vision for Civilian Climate Corps The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Goldman Sachs - Key week for Biden's infrastructure goals The Democratic majority depends on slashing drug prices MORE (D-N.Y.) changed his vote late in a procedural move that allows him to bring it back up for a second vote quickly.Wednesday’s vote comes as the bipartisan group has been meeting around the clock, including late into Tuesday night and again Wednesday, to lock down their deal after announcing at the White House late last month with President BidenJoe BidenKentucky lawmaker faces scrutiny for comparing Fauci to Jonestown cult leader Omar leads lawmakers in calling for US envoy to combat Islamophobia Public charter schools group blasts proposed Democratic cut MORE that they had agreed to a $1.2-trillion, eight-year framework.But Democrats are feeling fierce pressure to start advancing President Biden’s sweeping spending bill, which they are pursuing on two tracks: the bipartisan talks and a separate $3.5 trillion plan that they will pass along party lines under reconciliation that will allow them to avoid a GOP filibuster on the second piece. While the agreement costs $1.2 trillion over eight years, it only includes $579 billion in new spending.The group had initially set an end-of-the-week deadline last week to finalize its remaining issues, and Schumer announced Thursday that he was going to force a vote Wednesday to try to start a formal debate after weeks of waiting for the bipartisan group to finalize its agreement. Joe ManchinJoe ManchinHarris says she's talking with GOP senators about voting rights DeFazio warns he's no rubber stamp for Senate infrastructure bill Schumer feels pressure from all sides on spending strategy MORE (D-W.Va.) and Kyrsten SinemaKyrsten SinemaSchumer feels pressure from all sides on spending strategy Poll: Two-thirds of AZ Democratic voters back primary challenge to Sinema over filibuster The Hill's Morning Report - Will Schumer back down on his deadline?