[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 136 (Sunday, August 1, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S5234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             INFRASTRUCTURE

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, from the very beginning, my stated goal 
for the July and August work period has been that the Senate pass both 
a bipartisan infrastructure bill and a budget resolution with 
reconciliation instructions. This is our so-called two-track strategy: 
both a bipartisan infrastructure bill and a budget resolution with 
reconciliation instructions. And despite some bumps in the road, always 
expected on two bills as large and comprehensive as these, we have 
remained firmly on track to achieve our two-track goal.
  On the bipartisan track, I have worked with my colleagues throughout 
the process to help produce an outcome that all parties find 
acceptable. I have tried to prod the negotiators when they have needed 
it and given them space when they have asked for it.
  Deadlines were necessary to advance the negotiations. We are here 
right now, during a rare weekend session, in order to move the 
bipartisan bill forward as quickly as possible.
  The idea here is to produce an outcome, a real bipartisan agreement 
that provides a significant down payment toward the level of 
infrastructure investment our country needs.
  The process from here is simple. Once the legislative text of the 
agreement is finalized--and I understand it is being finalized 
imminently--I will offer it as a substitute amendment, as I have always 
promised, and then the Senate can finally begin voting on additional 
amendments.
  Given the thoroughly bipartisan nature of the bill, I expect we will 
be able to consider all the relevant amendments and finish the bill in 
a matter of days.
  But we know that this bill is not everything our country needs. That 
is why, after the bipartisan infrastructure legislation passes this 
Chamber, I will immediately move to the other track: passing a budget 
resolution with reconciliation instructions, which will allow the 
Senate to make historic investments in American jobs, American 
families, and efforts to reverse climate change. Both tracks are very 
much needed by the American people and we must accomplish both.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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