Bill Summary
The "Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act" mandates the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the feasibility of incorporating satellite technology into broadband projects managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission. The study must be completed and submitted to Congress within one year of the law's enactment. It will focus on three main areas: the capacity of satellite broadband services for business applications, the impact of satellite broadband on economic development in regions that have adopted it, and the cost-effectiveness of utilizing satellite technology for broadband expansion. This legislation aims to enhance broadband access in the Appalachian region, potentially fostering economic growth and connectivity.
Possible Impacts
The "Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act" could affect people in the following ways:
1. **Improved Internet Access for Rural Areas**: By exploring the use of satellite technology for broadband projects, the legislation could lead to enhanced internet access in underserved rural areas of Appalachia. This improvement would benefit residents, businesses, and local governments, enabling better communication, remote work opportunities, and access to online services and education.
2. **Economic Development Opportunities**: The study mandated by the Act aims to evaluate the potential for economic growth in areas that adopt satellite broadband. If the findings show positive outcomes, it could attract investments and businesses to the region, potentially leading to job creation and improved local economies. This would directly impact the livelihoods of community members.
3. **Cost-Effectiveness Assessments**: The requirement to analyze the cost-effectiveness of implementing satellite broadband can inform local governments and stakeholders about the financial viability of such projects. If satellite broadband is found to be a cost-effective solution, it could influence funding decisions and lead to the prioritization of broadband infrastructure investments, ultimately helping to bridge the digital divide in Appalachia.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2474 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 2474
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 25, 2026
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and
Public Works
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
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.
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
(3) analyze the cost-effectiveness of implementing
broadband via satellites for economic development.
Passed the House of Representatives March 24, 2026.
Attest:
KEVIN F. MCCUMBER,
Clerk.