Broadband Unresolved in Infrastructure Talks: Collins

Susan Collins, R-Maine, told reporters Thursday she and other senators involved in working on a bipartisan infrastructure bill are close to a deal, but the structure of its broadband title remains a sticking point. Draft broadband language would set a minimum speed below what fiber advocates seek for projects receiving money from a $40 billion pot of NTIA-administered state-level grants (see 2107210063). The overall proposal, which President Joe Biden backed last month, allocates $65 billion for broadband (see 2106240070). Other senators in the group agree a deal is close. “Most of the agreements have been reached,” said Mitt Romney, R-Utah. “There are a few things that are still being worked on,” but “I think we’ll be there Monday. If not so, then a day or two after.”