119 S4459 IS: Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act U.S. Senate 2026-04-30 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II119th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 4459IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESApril 30, 2026Mr. Husted (for himself and Ms. Alsobrooks) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public WorksA BILLTo 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 of the United States 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.