POLITICO Dispatch July 26 Biden announced a settlement more than a month earlier. Why is it taking senators so long to reach an agreement on an infrastructure bill Arkansas' governor also stated that vaccine hesitancy in Arkansas is increasing. Franch is closer to approval of a vaccine passport.Two other sources, one from each side, confirmed that negotiations were in dire straits over President Joe Biden's top priority. Both sides blamed the other for reopening discussions on items that were once settled.After a weekend of fruitless discussions, the talks appear to be in danger of collapsing due to public anger and finger-pointing Monday. In an effort to save fragile negotiations, the 10 senators who are leading the talks will meet again Monday evening.After last week's failure to pass undrafted legislation, the bipartisan group of legislators hoped to reach an agreement early in this week. Several issues remain, so it seems unlikely that they will reach an agreement. One of the most difficult issues is transit. However, broadband has also been a problem. Also, the finances of bills are viewed as uncertain.According to a Democratic source, the Democrats offered to accept the GOP's proposal for highways in return for the Democratic proposal for transit. However, this is unlikely to placate Republicans who claim that their offer for transit was met with silence over three days.According to a Democratic source, funding for water infrastructure is still not resolved. This source said that Republicans have backed away from the original agreement. According to the source, Sen. Mitt Romney (R. Utah) had "reneged on a deal" and "proposed something completely impossible."Romney spokesperson called it "laughable false" and stated that Schumer wants $15 billion more than any previous agreement.Tom Carper, Senate Environment and Public Works Chairman (D-Del.). Senator Tammy Duckworth (D.Ill.), and Senate Environment and Public Works Chair Tom Carper (D-Del.) raised concerns last week about the funding. Carper suggested that he wouldn't support the package unless certain funding conditions are met.Former President Trump weighs in on Monday morning as bipartisan negotiators attempt to reach an agreement. Trump stated that Senate Republicans have been absolutely attacked by Democrats over the so-called bipartisan legislation on infrastructure. He urged them to hold off until they take back control of the Senate in 2022.The bipartisan group and White House reached an agreement on a bipartisan framework last month. However, it has been difficult to translate that into legislative text. Schumer stated that he plans to pass the bipartisan bill before the Senate departs for August recess.Last week, eleven senator Republicans wrote Schumer to inform him that they would be open to moving forward as soon Monday as the bill was complete and finances in order. Both conditions were not met by midday. Senators gathered late in the afternoon.
