Senate Passes $1 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

The Senate gave overwhelming bipartisan approval to the $1 trillion infrastructure bill to rebuild the nation’s deteriorating roads and bridges and fund new climate resilience and broadband initiatives, delivering a key component of President Biden’s agenda. The legislation would be the largest infusion of federal investment into infrastructure projects in more than a decade, touching nearly every facet of the American economy and fortifying the nation’s response to the warming of the planet. The bill allocates $65 billion for broadband infrastructure in these areas:

• $42.5 billion for broadband deployment grants to states, DC, Puerto Rico, and US territories
• $14.2 billion for permanent broadband affordability through the Affordable Connectivity Program
• $2.8 billion for the Digital Equity Act to promote digital inclusion and digital literacy
• $2 billion for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program to meet the broadband needs of Tribal communities
• $2 billion for the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program to deploy broadband to rural areas
• $1 billion for building out middle mile infrastructure to reach last-mile households
• $600 million for private activity bonds to finance broadband projects in partnership with the private sector