Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026

Floor Speech

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Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment, which would require the Appalachian Regional Commission to conduct the study on the inclusion of low Earth orbit satellites to be used for economic development.

The United States should be encouraging and embracing new technological advances that help bridge the broadband gap across rural regions, ensuring all Americans are connected to the modern economy.

Many towns and communities within my district in southern Ohio still lack access to broadband, which, frankly, is unacceptable. Without reliable internet access, students face challenges in completing homework, patients can't receive telehealth services, businesses are less incentivized to invest in their communities, and people can't work from home.

My amendment, which is included in this en bloc, will help show that low Earth orbit satellites have the capabilities to provide adequate broadband access to communities and create economic development within the Appalachian region.

As a co-chair of the Rural Broadband Caucus, I am committed to connecting folks as quickly as possible whether that be through fiber, wireless service, or satellites.

Congress should be implementing a technologically neutral broadband approach and the inclusion of this new technology will provide additional avenues to provide broadband to people in my district and across the Appalachian region and finally give them access to the modern economy.

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