House Committee Approves Appalachian Satellite Broadband Bill

The legislation directs GAO to study the use of satellite broadband for economic development in Appalachia.

Kelcie Lee

Jan 23, 2026 — 1 min read

Photo of Rep. David Taylor, R-Ohio, from Taylor's website.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2026 – The Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act, which seeks to expand satellite broadband service in rural communities across Appalachia, will head to the full House after passing the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday.

Introduced by Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio, the bill would require the Government Accountability Office to study the effectiveness of incorporating satellite broadband projects into infrastructure grant programs by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

By assessing the capacity and cost-effectiveness of satellite broadband, the bill aims to support businesses and economic development in rural Appalachia across 13 U.S. states.

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Appalachian Regional Commission Funding Satellite Rural Rural Access Appalachia Appalachian Power Ohio Dave Taylor Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act Government Accountability Office GAO

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