Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2474) to require 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, and for other purposes, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 2474

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act''. SEC. 2 GAO STUDY ON SATELLITE BROADBAND.

(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct, and submit to Congress the results thereof, a study on the capability of the Appalachian Regional Commission to incorporate satellites in broadband projects.

(b) Requirements.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall--

(1) review the capacity of satellite broadband services to be used for business purposes;

(2) evaluate economic development growth in areas that have used satellite broadband for businesses; and

(3) analyze the cost-effectiveness of implementing broadband via satellites for economic development.

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Mr. TAYLOR. 2474.

Mr. Speaker, I was proud to introduce the Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act, which directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on the capability of the Appalachian Regional Commission to include satellites in its broadband projects.

Currently, the ARC can support targeted broadband projects in distressed, rural communities to attract businesses and jobs. However, Appalachia is a vast region, and not all of its communities have access to fiber optic broadband service, which can be economically isolating for local businesses.

I represent 13 counties in ARC's service area. The topography challenges in my district and the rest of Appalachia create unique challenges for traditional fiber optic broadband.

Satellite broadband, on the other hand, with its far-reaching capabilities, can enable the delivery of high-speed internet to those more remote, difficult-to-access communities that do not currently have fiber optic infrastructure. Expanding access to this modern necessity will help incentivize the growth of new businesses in the region.

With the potential to leverage this technology for business growth, ARC funding could go further in addressing economic development challenges in distressed communities. That is why it is crucial for GAO to begin studying the ARC's ability to apply this critical technology to its mission of promoting regional economic growth.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, by directing a study on the Appalachian Regional Commission's ability to implement satellite broadband projects into its portfolio, this legislation will help the Appalachian economy continue to advance and grow.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 2474, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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