The Senate voted Friday to start debating a White House-backed infrastructure proposal after weeks of negotiations. On Friday, the upper congressional chamber voted 66-28 to officially begin the debate. Sixteen Republicans joined all Democrats to begin the debate, bypassing the 60 votes needed to overcome a potential filibuster. The measure, which some have described as bipartisan, includes about $550 billion in new spending as well as $450 billion that was previously approved. The bill would, in part, fund building electric vehicle charging stations and getting rid of lead water pipes around the United States. Democrats aim to pass a separate $3.5 trillion bill that includes climate and social spending measures. Republicans have signaled that they would use the filibuster to block the measure in the 50-50 Senate, leading some Democrats to suggest they would use the budget reconciliation tactic to pass the measure with no Republican votes. “Given the bipartisan nature …