Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1618
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T20:08:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act aims to enhance connectivity for precision agriculture—farming practices that use technology like sensors, GPS, and data analysis to optimize crop yields and resource use—by directing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to examine and potentially improve satellite-related rules.
Key Provisions
- FCC Review Requirement: The FCC must review its existing rules on three types of satellite services:
- Fixed satellite service: Communications between fixed points on Earth via satellites, such as for data transmission.
- Mobile satellite service: Communications to and from moving objects (e.g., vehicles or aircraft) via satellites.
- Earth exploration satellite service: Satellites used for observing and studying Earth's surface, like for environmental monitoring.
- Assessment and Recommendations: The FCC must determine if it can make rule changes under its current authority to better support precision agriculture. If feasible, it must develop specific recommendations for implementing those changes.
- Reporting Deadline: Within 15 months of the Act's enactment, the FCC must submit a report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, detailing the review results and any recommendations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This Act does not directly amend or repeal any existing laws. Instead, it imposes a new procedural obligation on the FCC to conduct a targeted review and report, which could lead to future voluntary rule adjustments by the agency without needing additional congressional action.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The FCC will face an increased workload to complete the review and report, potentially influencing its spectrum management priorities to favor agricultural applications.
- On Citizens: Farmers and rural communities may benefit from improved satellite connectivity, enabling more efficient and sustainable farming practices that could lower costs, reduce environmental impact, and increase food production.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though any resulting FCC rule changes could affect global satellite spectrum coordination, as the U.S. participates in international agreements on radio frequencies through bodies like the International Telecommunication Union.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Primary entity responsible for the review and recommendations.
- Agricultural Producers and Rural Communities: Direct beneficiaries through potential enhancements to precision farming tools reliant on satellite technology.
- Satellite Service Providers: Companies operating in fixed, mobile, and earth exploration satellite services may need to adapt to any recommended rule changes.
- Congressional Committees: The House Committee on Energy and Commerce and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which will receive the report and could influence follow-up actions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The Act operates within the FCC's existing statutory authority (e.g., under the Communications Act of 1934), avoiding the need for new rulemaking mandates that could face legal challenges. It promotes administrative efficiency by focusing on voluntary recommendations rather than binding requirements.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues, as it involves routine agency oversight and does not infringe on free speech, property rights, or federalism principles.
- Political: This bipartisan measure highlights growing congressional interest in bridging the digital divide in rural areas, potentially setting a precedent for technology-specific spectrum reforms to support key industries like agriculture. It could influence future debates on balancing commercial satellite uses with public needs.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-07-14: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-07-14: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3211)
- 2025-07-14: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- 2025-07-14: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1618.
- 2025-07-14: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3211-3212)
- 2025-07-14: Mr. Latta moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2025-07-10: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 159.
- 2025-07-10: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-195.
- 2025-07-10: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-195.
- 2025-03-04: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2025-03-04: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-02-26: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-02-26: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-26: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act — issued 2025-07-14 — PDF (4 pages)
- Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act — issued 2025-02-26 — PDF (3 pages)
- Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act — issued 2025-07-15 — PDF (3 pages)
- Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act — issued 2025-07-10 — PDF (6 pages)