David Taylor (R-OH)
Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- In Senate committee
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This Act, titled the "Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act," directs the Comptroller General of the United States to perform a specific study. The study focuses on whether the Appalachian Regional Commission can include satellites in its broadband projects. Within one year of enactment, the Comptroller General must submit the results of this study to Congress. The investigation must look at satellite service for businesses, economic growth in areas already using such services, and the cost-effectiveness of this method for economic development.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +3
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill specifically targets improving broadband access for the rural Appalachian region via satellite technology.
- Scored +3
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
The bill mandates a study on incorporating satellite services into broadband projects to expand connectivity.
- Scored +3
Does this invest in rural communities?
The act focuses on expanding broadband access through satellite technology specifically for the Appalachian region.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Economic Development Research: The study requires an evaluation of economic development growth in areas that have used satellite broadband for businesses (Section 2, subsection b, 2). This could help identify ways to grow the economy in specific regions.
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Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: The Comptroller General is tasked with analyzing the cost-effectiveness of implementing broadband via satellites for economic development (Section 2, subsection b, 3). This ensures that potential broadband projects are a practical use of resources for economic growth.
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Business Capability Review: The study will review the capacity of satellite broadband services to be used for business purposes (Section 2, subsection b, 1). This could provide insights into better connectivity options for local businesses.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly mentioned in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets improving broadband access for the rural Appalachian region via satellite technology. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Increased broadband access can provide more opportunities for economic mobility in underserved areas. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Improved regional infrastructure can support local economic stability for middle-income residents. Would white Americans be better off under this? — The demographic focus on Appalachia impacts a large population of white residents in the region.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill directs a study on using satellite broadband to support business purposes and economic growth. Is this likely to create jobs? — The study evaluates whether satellite broadband can enhance economic development and business capacity in Appalachia.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill mandates a study on incorporating satellite services into broadband projects to expand connectivity.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The act focuses on expanding broadband access through satellite technology specifically for the Appalachian region.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — By studying broadband expansion, the bill aims to identify economic development tools for the Appalachian region.
- 3/25/2026
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 3/24/2026
- The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H2647-2648)
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2474.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2647-2648)
- Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 3/20/2026
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-565.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 486.
- 1/21/2026
- Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 3/27/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.