Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4459
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-30: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-26T12:27:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act (S. 4459) aims to assess the potential of satellite technology for improving broadband access in the Appalachian region, particularly for business and economic development purposes, by mandating a study from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Key Provisions
- Requires the Comptroller General of the United States (head of the GAO) to conduct a study on the Appalachian Regional Commission's (ARC) ability to include satellites in its broadband projects.
- The study must be completed and submitted to Congress within 1 year of the bill's enactment.
- Specific study requirements:
- Review the capacity of satellite broadband services for business use.
- Evaluate economic development growth in areas where satellite broadband has been used for businesses.
- Analyze the cost-effectiveness of satellite-based broadband for economic development.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- No direct changes to existing laws or ARC authorities.
- Introduces a one-time study requirement to inform potential future broadband policies in the Appalachian region.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: GAO must allocate resources for the study; findings could guide ARC's future project funding and priorities.
- Citizens and businesses: Rural Appalachian communities and businesses may benefit indirectly if the study leads to expanded satellite broadband options, improving internet access for economic growth.
- No direct international relations impact.
Main Stakeholders
- Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC): Subject of the study; its broadband project capabilities will be evaluated.
- Government Accountability Office (GAO): Responsible for conducting and reporting the study.
- Congress: Receives the study results to inform legislation on rural broadband.
- Businesses and residents in Appalachia: Potential indirect beneficiaries through improved broadband access.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Straightforward mandate with no new funding or regulatory powers; relies on existing GAO authority to conduct studies.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; falls within Congress's oversight powers over federal commissions.
- Political: Highlights focus on innovative broadband solutions (e.g., satellites) for underserved rural areas, potentially influencing debates on digital infrastructure equity.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-30: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2026-04-30: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act — issued 2026-04-30 — PDF (2 pages)