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This bill would require the U.S. Government Accountability Office to study whether the Appalachian Regional Commission could use satellite internet in broadband projects. The study would look at whether satellite broadband can support business needs, how it has helped economic growth in places that use it, and whether it is a cost-effective way to expand broadband access and support development in Appalachian communities. The results would have to be sent to Congress within one year after the law takes effect.
- It directs the Comptroller General, through the Government Accountability Office, to complete the study and report back to Congress.
- The study must examine whether satellite broadband is good enough for business use.
- It must also review whether areas that use satellite broadband for businesses have seen economic growth.
- The study must analyze whether using satellites to provide broadband is a smart use of money for economic development.
Official Summaries
Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act
This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study and report to Congress on the Appalachian Regional Commission’s capability to incorporate low-orbit satellites in broadband projects. Specifically, the study must review and analyze the capacity and cost-effectiveness of using satellite broadband service for business purposes and economic development.
Current Full Text
[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.