OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act

Floor Speech

Date: March 24, 2026
Location: Washington, DC


Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 2474, the Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act, as amended.

This bill requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the capability of the Appalachian Regional Commission to include low-orbit satellites in broadband projects.

This study, conducted by the Government Accountability Office, will, number one, assess whether these low-orbit satellites can meet businesses' needs; two, evaluate the economic development growth in areas already utilizing low-orbit satellites; and three, analyze the cost-effectiveness of implementing broadband via satellites.

By directing GAO to study this important issue, Congress can help ensure that small businesses and residents in rural and Appalachian communities can benefit from emerging technologies and continue developing economically.

Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 2474, the Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act, as amended, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. I yield back the balance of my time.

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