H.R. 2474 — Referred from Senate

IIB 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 2474 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 25, 2026Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works AN ACT To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the capability of the Appalachian Regional Commission to include satellites in broadband projects, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act. 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. Passed the House of Representatives March 24, 2026.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.