Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act
Floor Speech
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1339, the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act.
The innovations we are seeing in the commercial satellite industry have the potential to transform so many aspects of daily life, especially for those in more rural and remote areas.
For years, Americans have relied on satellites for a variety of services, including the Global Positioning System, radio, and television. However, now satellites are helping deliver faster broadband speeds, providing critical communications services and enabling scientists and nonprofits to monitor challenges like the climate crisis and deforestation.
This satellite evolution is also touching American farms by facilitating advancements in precision agriculture. H.R. 1339 promotes the innovation of satellite technology for precision agriculture, which uses satellite images to help farmers yield better crops and maximize their yield profitability.
The legislation directs the Federal Communications Commission to review its satellite service rules to assess whether there are any rule changes that could better enable satellites to deliver precision agriculture solutions. If the FCC finds that such rule changes exist, then this legislation requires the FCC to develop recommendations for implementing them. It also instructs the FCC to report its findings to Congress, including any recommendations.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Representatives Kelly and Latta for their bipartisan work on this bill, which unanimously passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee last month. With this legislation, we ensure that the FCC and its satellite service rules are enabling technological advances in the important area of precision agriculture as much as possible.
Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, this bill is bipartisan and passed out of our committee unanimously last month.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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