(NAFB) – Closing the rural-urban “digital divide” faces numerous hurdles despite billions in new funding by Congress. It’s not just about the money as tens of billions are already in the federal pipeline for rural broadband. But overlapping programs, inaccurate broadband maps, and even disagreements over rural service needs are slowing progress.

University of Virginia’s Christopher Ali followed by former FCC Commissioner Michael O’Reilly on precision Ag provider needs at a recent Senate hearing.

Farmer needs also vary. Justin Forde is with cable provider Midco

Forde argues that running fiber to those two farms wouldn’t be economical for his firm or the federal government.

Separately, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act to expand Ag guest workers legal status was moving through the House, but with little chance of Senate passage, as part of a package of citizenship bills. Iowa GOP Senator Chuck Grassley…

Republicans are blaming President Biden and Democrats for a recent border surge in illegal immigrants, especially unaccompanied minors, as Democrats renew debate over ending or easing Senate filibuster rules to pass their bills.