EXPANDING APPALACHIA'S BROADBAND ACCESS ACT

EXPANDING APPALACHIA'S BROADBAND ACCESS ACT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2647-H2648] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] EXPANDING APPALACHIA'S BROADBAND ACCESS ACT Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2474) to require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the capability of the Appalachian Regional Commission to include low-orbit satellites in broadband projects, and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 2474 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act''. SEC. 2 GAO STUDY ON SATELLITE BROADBAND. (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct, and submit to Congress the results thereof, a study on the capability of the Appalachian Regional Commission to incorporate satellites in broadband projects. (b) Requirements.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall-- (1) review the capacity of satellite broadband services to be used for business purposes; (2) evaluate economic development growth in areas that have used satellite broadband for businesses; and [[Page H2648]] (3) analyze the cost-effectiveness of implementing broadband via satellites for economic development. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Flood). Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Taylor) and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stanton) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio. General Leave Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on H.R. 2474. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Ohio? There was no objection. Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I was proud to introduce the Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act, which directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on the capability of the Appalachian Regional Commission to include satellites in its broadband projects. Currently, the ARC can support targeted broadband projects in distressed, rural communities to attract businesses and jobs. However, Appalachia is a vast region, and not all of its communities have access to fiber optic broadband service, which can be economically isolating for local businesses. I represent 13 counties in ARC's service area. The topography challenges in my district and the rest of Appalachia create unique challenges for traditional fiber optic broadband. Satellite broadband, on the other hand, with its far-reaching capabilities, can enable the delivery of high-speed internet to those more remote, difficult-to-access communities that do not currently have fiber optic infrastructure. Expanding access to this modern necessity will help incentivize the growth of new businesses in the region. With the potential to leverage this technology for business growth, ARC funding could go further in addressing economic development challenges in distressed communities. That is why it is crucial for GAO to begin studying the ARC's ability to apply this critical technology to its mission of promoting regional economic growth. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 2474, the Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act, as amended. This bill requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the capability of the Appalachian Regional Commission to include low-orbit satellites in broadband projects. This study, conducted by the Government Accountability Office, will, number one, assess whether these low-orbit satellites can meet businesses' needs; two, evaluate the economic development growth in areas already utilizing low-orbit satellites; and three, analyze the cost-effectiveness of implementing broadband via satellites. By directing GAO to study this important issue, Congress can help ensure that small businesses and residents in rural and Appalachian communities can benefit from emerging technologies and continue developing economically. Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 2474, the Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act, as amended, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, by directing a study on the Appalachian Regional Commission's ability to implement satellite broadband projects into its portfolio, this legislation will help the Appalachian economy continue to advance and grow. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 2474, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Taylor) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2474, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. The title of the bill was amended so as to read: ``A bill to require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the capability of the Appalachian Regional Commission to include satellites in broadband projects, and for other purposes.''. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________

Referenced legislation: HR2474, HR2474