Rep. Taylor’s Bill to Expand Appalachian Broadband Services Passes House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) today applauded the passage of his bill, H.R. 2474, the Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act, through the House of Representatives by a voice vote. Congressman Taylor spoke on the House floor in support of his bill prior to its passage. His remarks are available here.

“For too long, rural communities like mine in rural southern Ohio have been left behind the modern economy, all because they lack sufficient access to the internet,” said Congressman Taylor. “By embracing innovative technologies like satellite broadband, businesses across Appalachia will be able to see massive economic growth across our region. I’m proud to see the House pass my bill today to finally connect Buckeye families and businesses to the opportunities they need to thrive.”

The Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act will direct a study to be conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the capabilities of satellites to be used by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for economic development. This study will measure the capabilities of satellites for rural business services and assess whether they could meet businesses’ needs. It would also require an evaluation of economic development in areas already utilizing satellites for broadband services to determine the increase in resulting economic growth. Lastly, it would analyze the cost-effectiveness of implementing broadband services via satellites, to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

If favorable results are produced from the study authorized by this bill, the Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act will allow rural businesses and communities seeking to obtain broadband funding through ARC access to new technologies.

Background:

Large swaths of Ohio’s Second Congressional District lack access to sufficient broadband, severely limiting these rural communities’ ability to connect to the larger economy and adapt to advancing technologies. Although fiber optic cables have historically been the most utilized technology throughout the region, expanding fiber into the challenging terrain of southern Ohio has been costly and difficult.

A 2024 study reported three counties in Congressman Taylor’s district as being in the top 150 most off-the-grid locations in the United States. Satellites are a potential solution to this issue, circumventing topographical challenges to provide a sufficient level of broadband access.

The ARC is a partnership between the federal and state governments, working with communities in the Appalachian region to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life. By Congress submitting a request for a study, ARC will have the most up-to-date data, helping to bring broadband to rural communities.

Congressman Taylor initially introduced the Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act on March 27, 2025, and the bill passed through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on January 21, 2026, by a voice vote.

The full bill text is available here.

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