Sen. Portman says bipartisan group of senators has reached agreement on infrastructure deal
Chuck Schumer says a procedural vote to move the bill forward could come as early as tonight
Ohio GOP Sen. Rob Portman said late Wednesday morning that a bipartisan group of negotiators has reached an agreement on what he called the "major issues" of the close to $1 trillion infrastructure package that has been stuck in the Senate negotiation phase for the past several weeks. "We are prepared to move forward," said Portman.
Earlier this morning, Republican infrastructure negotiators met with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Meanwhile, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says a procedural vote to file cloture on the motion to proceed with the infrastructure bill could come as early as this evening.
Portman, who has acted as a lead Republican negotiator on the package, says the deal will include $110 billion for American roads that will be paid for with sources revenue. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) says the deal will also include $65 billion for increased access to broadband internet.
Some members of the GOP caucus say they believe there will be enough Republican support to advance the bill when the vote is held. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) will reportedly be among the Republicans who vote to advance the legislation.