Senate Republicans propose $568 billion infrastructure plan to counter Biden

Senate Republicans unveiled a $568 billion infrastructure plan Thursday limited to roads, bridges, broadband and other physical infrastructure, countering President Biden's American Jobs Plan with a framework around one-quarter the size of his sweeping $2.25 trillion package.

Although their plan doesn't specify how to pay for the spending, Republicans suggested new user fees, resisting a corporate tax rate increase pushed by Biden and keeping former President Donald Trump's 2017 tax cuts intact.

Republicans have slammed Biden's proposals for $400 billion to boost caregiving for the elderly and disabled, $174 billion for electric vehicle stations and $300 billion for manufacturing, among other areas, arguing Democrats want to use the popularity of infrastructure to fund unrelated liberal priorities in the same package.

Cars travel on a raised expressway in Kearny, N.J., Tuesday, April 6, 2021. President Joe Biden is setting about convincing America it needs his $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan, deputizing a five-member "jobs Cabinet" to help in the effort.
A framework led by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. wouldn't cover any such items, including those aimed at fighting climate change, instead focusing solely on transportation projects, broadband infrastructure and water pipes.

"Let’s be clear, @potus’ proposal goes beyond what constitutes infrastructure," Capito, ranking member of the Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee, said in a tweet. "Today, we set a clear path forward on core principles that DEFINE infrastructure & address our country’s needs."

Backed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the counteroffer is also supported by Sens. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Pat Toomey, R-Pa., Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and John Barrasso, R-Wyo. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, called the plan a "responsible, solid step forward" and asked the Biden administration "find common ground and meet us at the negotiating table."