Plain English
GovGreed Synthesis · 2026-03-25
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.
Market Impact Map
Action Timeline
2026-03-25
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
2026-03-24
Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
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
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
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
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
2026-03-20
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-565.
2026-03-20
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 486.
Full Bill Text
119 HR 2474 EH: Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IB 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 2474 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 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. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act . 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. Kevin F. McCumber, Clerk.
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