Bill · H.R. 2474· House(119-HR-2474)
Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act
- Introduced
- 3/27/2025
- Last activity
- 3/25/2026 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Sponsored by
- David Taylor
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
This Act, titled the "Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act," directs the Comptroller General of the United States to perform a specific study. The study focuses on whether the Appalachian Regional Commission can include satellites in its broadband projects. Within one year of enactment, the Comptroller General must submit the results of this study to Congress. The investigation must look at satellite service for businesses, economic growth in areas already using such services, and the cost-effectiveness of this method for economic development.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+3
The bill specifically targets improving broadband access for the rural Appalachian region via satellite technology.
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+3
The bill mandates a study on incorporating satellite services into broadband projects to expand connectivity.
Does this invest in rural communities?+3
The act focuses on expanding broadband access through satellite technology specifically for the Appalachian region.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Economic Development Research: The study requires an evaluation of economic development growth in areas that have used satellite broadband for businesses (Section 2, subsection b, 2). This could help identify ways to grow the economy in specific regions.
-
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: The Comptroller General is tasked with analyzing the cost-effectiveness of implementing broadband via satellites for economic development (Section 2, subsection b, 3). This ensures that potential broadband projects are a practical use of resources for economic growth.
-
Business Capability Review: The study will review the capacity of satellite broadband services to be used for business purposes (Section 2, subsection b, 1). This could provide insights into better connectivity options for local businesses.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly mentioned in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For White Americans+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+2Increases Job Creation+2
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- 3/25/2026
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 3/24/2026
- The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H2647-2648)
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2474.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2647-2648)
- Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 3/20/2026
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-565.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 486.
- 1/21/2026
- Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 3/27/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.