By John Eggerton, Multichannel News, 11-5-21
After much debate and negotiation among progressive and moderate Democrats, the House voted late Friday (Nov. 5) to approve the $1.2-trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) that includes tens of billions of dollars for broadband, including grants to all the states and territories and for middle-mile and last-mile connectivity.
There is also money for a broadband consumer disclosure labeling regime.
Although infrastructure investment has bipartisan support, the vote was along primarily party lines, but with some key Republican supporters. The vote was 228 to 206, with 215 Democrats voting yes, but six voting no. Two hundred Republicans voted no, and 13 voted yes.
The Senate has already approved the bill, so the next stop is the president’s desk. » Read More