Senators Reportedly Reach Infrastructure Deal

July 28, 2021 – According to The Hill, key Senators say they have reached a deal on the “major issues” in their bipartisan infrastructure talks, and expect to start debate as soon as Wednesday. “We now have an agreement on the major issues. We are prepared to move forward,” said Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), who led the negotiations for the Republicans. Speaking to reporters with the five GOP negotiators after a meeting with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Portman touted the deal and described McConnell as being open to it. Asked if they would finalize their agreement on Wednesday, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) told reporters: “Yep.” Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), a member of the group, confirmed that they had a deal and were just drafting text. “I think we’re good to go,” he said. Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced that the Senate should be prepared to vote to start debate as soon as Wednesday, in a sign that the group had clinched an agreement.