Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2474
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:41:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act (H.R. 2474) aims to assess how satellite technology can enhance broadband access in the Appalachian region, focusing on its potential to support economic development. It directs a study to evaluate the feasibility of integrating satellites into projects by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), a federal-state partnership that promotes economic growth in the Appalachian area through infrastructure and other initiatives.
Key Provisions
- Study Requirement: The Comptroller General of the United States (head of the Government Accountability Office, or GAO, an independent agency that audits and evaluates government programs) must conduct a study on the ARC's ability to incorporate satellite technology into broadband projects.
- Timeline: The study must be completed and its results submitted to Congress within one year of the bill's enactment.
- Study Elements:
- Review the suitability of satellite broadband services for business use (e.g., reliability and speed for operations like online transactions or remote work).
- Evaluate how satellite broadband has contributed to economic growth in regions where businesses have adopted it.
- Analyze the cost-effectiveness of using satellites to deploy broadband for economic development purposes, comparing it to other methods like fiber optic cables.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill does not directly amend existing laws but introduces a new mandate for a GAO study. It builds on the ARC's authority under the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, which already supports broadband initiatives, by specifically examining satellite options. No immediate changes occur; findings could inform future legislation or ARC policies.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The GAO will expend resources on the study, while the ARC may adjust future broadband strategies based on results, potentially expanding project eligibility to include more satellite-based solutions.
- Citizens: Rural residents and businesses in Appalachia (a 13-state region covering parts of the eastern U.S.) could benefit from improved high-speed internet access, aiding remote work, education, and local commerce if recommendations are implemented.
- International Relations: Minimal impact, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. infrastructure; it may indirectly involve U.S. satellite providers with global operations but does not address foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC): Primary focus, as the study evaluates its operational capabilities.
- Businesses in Appalachia: Potential beneficiaries through enhanced broadband for economic activities.
- Congress and GAO: Congress receives the study for oversight; GAO conducts the analysis.
- Rural Communities and Residents: Could gain better internet access, supporting job creation and development in underserved areas.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill aligns with Congress's spending and oversight powers under the U.S. Constitution (Article I), requiring no new funding but leveraging existing GAO resources. It poses no challenges to existing broadband regulations or ARC statutes.
- Constitutional: No significant issues; it promotes equal access to technology in line with broader federal goals for rural development without infringing on states' rights.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan interest in closing the "digital divide" in rural America, potentially influencing future infrastructure funding debates. As a referred bill, its passage could signal support for innovative tech in economic policy, though outcomes depend on study findings and Senate action.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2026-03-24: The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H2647-2648)
- 2026-03-24: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-03-24: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- 2026-03-24: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- 2026-03-24: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2474.
- 2026-03-24: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2647-2648)
- 2026-03-24: Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2026-03-20: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 486.
- 2026-03-20: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-565.
- 2026-03-20: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-565.
- 2026-01-21: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2026-01-21: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-01-21: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Discharged
- 2025-03-27: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Bill Versions
- Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act — issued 2026-03-24 — PDF (4 pages)
- Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act — issued 2025-03-27 — PDF (2 pages)
- Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (2 pages)
- Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act — issued 2026-03-20 — PDF (4 pages)