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WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) celebrated the White House announcement today that New York State will receive $100 million in federal funding to expand broadband internet services. That funding was delivered under the American Rescue Plan that Tonko successfully pushed to advance.

“The COVID pandemic shined a spotlight on the vital need—as well as the current deficiencies—of broadband internet access across our nation,” Rep. Tonko said. “I was proud to help secure funding to expand and improve broadband for unserved and underserved communities in our American Rescue Plan, and I am thrilled that these critical investments are reaching our state. I’ll continue working to ensure that every New Yorker—no matter their zipcode—has access to broadband internet.”

As author of the ACCESS BROADBAND Act, Tonko has long championed efforts to expand and improve broadband to unserved and underserved communities across the region and state.

In addition to pushing for funding under the American Rescue Plan, Tonko helped secure significant funding for broadband expansion in the federal omnibus, including $450 million for ReConnect rural broadband and $382 million for the Federal Communications Commission’s efforts to increase internet access. Congressman Tonko also secured full funding for the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth, established in 2020 under his ACCESS BROADBAND Act.