The South Carolina Senate’s budget debate has turned into a fight about road construction and borrowing.

The Senate continued discussions Tuesday on its $7 billion spending plan for state taxes. But debate centered on the fate of other bills.

The Senate passed an amendment creating a study committee to determine borrowing needs. That further puts in question the fate of a $236 million borrowing package, which requires two-thirds approval. Of that, $15 million would go to National Guard armories while the rest would be split among all 33 public colleges and technical schools.

Majority Leader Harvey Peeler, R-Gaffney, said the package doesn’t have enough support anyway and his approach is better. The committee — made up of six legislators and three appointees of Gov. Nikki Haley — would report their findings by year’s end. Haley worked to kill a larger borrowing proposal by House leadership and is trying to scuttle the Senate package too.

“There’s still political blood in the carpet over there,” Peeler said of the House debate. “This does not negate the need for it. It may bring votes to it. This is a more reasonable approach for our bonding needs.”

Sen. Joel Lourie, D-Columbia, said the state needs to borrow while interest rates remain near historic lows. Sen. Vincent Sheheen, D-Camden, noted legislators tend to create a study committee if they don’t want to deal with an issue.

“I know the old ‘study committee death alternative,’ which is nothing happens,” he said.

Senators postponed voting on an amendment regarding who selects the Department of Transportation director. Opponents worry its passage would guarantee that the chamber won’t pass a road-funding plan this year.