The infrastructure agreement announced by a bipartisan group of senators on Wednesday would expand broadband access to all Americans, according to the White House. An estimated 35 percent of rural families currently lack high-speed internet service.
“The deal’s $65 billion investment ensures every American has access to reliable high-speed internet with an historic investment in broadband infrastructure deployment, just as the federal government made a historic effort to provide electricity to every American nearly one hundred years ago,” said a White House fact sheet. The bill also would create a permanent program to help low-income families gain internet access.
According to the White House, the package also has $110 billion for road and bridge repair and replacement.
Senators gave broad support to the package in a 67-32 vote on Wednesday evening.