Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
Floor Speech
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Mr. LATTA. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment, which I am pleased to lead with the gentlewoman from Illinois' Second Congressional District.
For years, large parts of my district and rural areas across America have lacked access to fast broadband connections. Reliable internet access is more than just being able to stream your favorite TV shows and movies. It is the crucial link that connects us all.
Our people, Nation, and economy run on reliable internet connections. Agriculture producers in Ohio and across America also know that reliable broadband connections are essential to their operations. After all, it helps deploy technologies that increase their productivity, produce higher yields, and minimize operating costs.
Today's smart agriculture technology, from autonomous tractors to distributed soil sensors, rely on internet connections to share data.
In fact, our ag producers use information in real time to make smarter decisions on how to optimize inputs and whether and when to plant or harvest. When terrestrial or cellular networks are not available, satellite broadband steps in to make these technologies work.
However, it is not just advanced satellite broadband capabilities that improve precision agriculture. Earth-imaging satellites also provide important information that helps farmers and ranchers identify visual trends that may require immediate attention.
In order to ensure our regulations maximize those opportunities, our amendment would require the FCC to review its current satellite rules to determine if rural changes can be made to promote precision agriculture.
I am committed to ensuring our agricultural producers have the tools at their disposal to help them to increase productivity while minimizing costs. This amendment is an excellent step forward in that mission.
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Mr. LATTA. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and the overall bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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