WASHINGTON, DC (607NewsNow) — A broadband bill is being discussed in Congress. 

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, Rep. Josh Riley announced his sponsorship of the Re-Connecting Rural America Act of 2025, which hopes to expand access to affordable, high-speed internet in rural and underserved areas. The bill would provide $650 million a year through loans and grants for broadband construction and upgrades.

“High-speed internet is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity for farmers, small businesses, students, and families across Upstate New York,” Riley said. “In too many of our rural towns, broadband is still unreliable or unaffordable. That leaves kids cut off from homework, farmers cut off from precision ag tools, and businesses cut off from customers. This bipartisan bill closes that digital divide and makes sure Upstate New York can compete and thrive.”