[imgbelt img=041208_senator_collins_hmed_8a7.h2.jpg]A bipartisan group of Senators have cut $90 billion from the stimulus plan, including $1.5 billion for the extension of internet broadband into rural areas. The group is led by Senators Ben Nelson (Democrat of Nebraska) and Susan Collins (Republican of Maine, above).According to the New York Times, the two “spent much of the day “scrutinizing the 736-page bill and wrangling over what to remove.” The Times reported late Thursday night that “the group had drafted a list of nearly $90 billion in cuts, including $40 billion in aid for states, $4.1 billion to make federal buildings energy efficient and $1.5 billion for broadband Internet service in rural areas. But they remained short of a deal, and talks were expected to go all night.”The Senate had included $9 billion for broadband extension in the original bill. The House had $6 billion.