The US Congress has passed a landmark $1tn infrastructure spending package in what is being described as a major domestic win for President Joe Biden.
The BBC reports that negotiations over the sweeping public works bill – which was passed by the House of Representatives in a 228-206 vote – created a bitter split among Democrats.
Billed as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ spending measure, the infrastructure legislation proposes $550bn in new federal expenditure, over the next eight years, to upgrade highways, roads and bridges, and to modernise city transit systems and passenger rail networks.
The agreement also sets aside funding for clean drinking water, high speed internet, and a nationwide network of electric vehicle charging points.
It is the largest federal investment in the country’s infrastructure for decades.
The BBC reports that the House of Representatives is also moving forward with a more ambitious social spending bill favoured by liberal lawmakers.