U.S. Senators are expected to introduce the text of the infrastructure bill on Sunday, which is expected to pass Reuters this week

Author: David Lauder and Richard Cowan

Washington (Reuters)-U.S. Senators said they expect to see the final text on Sunday. The plan will be used to build a $1 trillion road, rail, and other infrastructure package, which is expected later this week. Will finally pass.

Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins told CNN that she believes that at least 10 Republicans will support this measure, allowing it to easily remove procedural obstacles.

“I hope we can complete this bill before this weekend,” Collins said, adding that this measure is “good for the United States.”

The Senate is expected to hold a rare weekend meeting at 12:00 noon EST (1600 GMT) on Sunday.

Although no legislators saw the final text, in the heavily divided Senate, the two parties obtained a considerable majority of votes in favor of the bill in two procedural votes. So far, the Senate has voted for a shell bill, which will be incorporated into actual legislation once it is completed.

On Friday, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 66 to 28, and 16 Republicans joined all 48 Democrats and two independents. The Senate also held a rare meeting on Saturday.

Senator Joe Manchin, Democrat of West Virginia, told CNN that the infrastructure bill should win strong support. However, he stated that he cannot guarantee that a $3.5 trillion “reconciliation” spending bill can only be passed with the support of Democrats because it needs to be paid in full.

Under special budget rules that allow a simple majority, Senate Democrats need every vote in their party to pass the measure-including Manchin.

He said: “Both of these bills should be improved according to their own merits.”

A large-scale infrastructure package is President Joe Biden’s top legislative priority.

In addition to the previously approved US$450 billion, the plan is expected to include US$550 billion in new expenditures and will significantly increase the country’s spending on roads, bridges, transportation and airports. It also includes funds used to scrap lead water pipes and build electric vehicle charging stations.

Supporters, including Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell, are optimistic about the possibility of the bill becoming law.