HR 2474 United States House · 119th Congress

Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act

Summary

Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study and report to Congress on the Appalachian Regional Commission’s capability to incorporate low-orbit satellites in broadband projects. Specifically, the study must review and analyze the capacity and cost-effectiveness of using satellite broadband service for business purposes and economic development.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

President

Introduced Mar 27, 2025 Last action Mar 25, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced in House → Engrossed in House · 2 edits · Mar 24, 2026

MINOR

The bill was amended to broaden the GAO study from focusing specifically on low-orbit satellites to covering all satellite broadband services, and to extend the deadline for completing the study from 90 days to 1 year after enactment. This gives the GAO more time and allows it to evaluate a wider range of satellite technologies for use in Appalachian broadband projects.

SCOPE

The study scope was broadened from 'low-orbit satellites' to all 'satellite broadband' services, meaning the GAO would now consider geostationary and other orbital satellite options in addition to low-earth orbit systems.

TIMELINE

The deadline for the GAO to complete and submit its study was extended from 90 days after enactment to 1 year after enactment, giving the agency significantly more time to conduct the research.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Mar 25, 2026

Committee

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

upper

Mar 24, 2026

Introduced

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H2647-2648)

lower

Mar 24, 2026

Introduced

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

lower

Mar 24, 2026

Lower · Passed

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

lower

Mar 24, 2026

Introduced

Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

lower

Mar 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-565.

lower

Jan 21, 2026

Introduced

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

lower

Jan 21, 2026

Lower · Passed

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

lower

Jan 21, 2026

Lower · Passed

Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Discharged

lower

Mar 27, 2025

Committee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.

lower

Mar 27, 2025

Committee

Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

lower

Mar 27, 2025

Introduced

Introduced in House

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors