Bill · S. 4459· Senate(119-S-4459)
Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act
- Introduced
- 4/30/2026
- Last activity
- 4/30/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Sponsored by
- Jon Husted
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, 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. The Comptroller General must submit the results of this study to Congress within one year of enactment. The study requires a review of satellite broadband for business use, an evaluation of economic growth in areas using these services, and an analysis of cost-effectiveness.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+3
The bill focuses on enhancing broadband capabilities specifically for the Appalachian region.
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+3
The bill mandates a study on incorporating satellite technology into broadband projects to expand connectivity.
Does this invest in rural communities?+3
The study evaluates satellite broadband as a tool for economic development within the Appalachian region.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Assessment of Satellite Broadband for Business: The study will review how satellite services can be used for business purposes, which could help identify ways to support local commerce (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Evaluation of Economic Growth: By evaluating economic development in areas that have already used satellite broadband for businesses, the study may identify successful models for growth (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: The requirement to analyze the cost-effectiveness of using satellites for economic development could help ensure future broadband projects are efficient uses of resources (Section 2(b)(3)).
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+1
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+2
- 4/30/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland