Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1339) to require the Federal Communications Commission to review certain rules of the Commission and develop recommendations for rule changes to promote precision agriculture, and for other purposes.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 1339

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act''. SEC. 2. PRECISION AGRICULTURE SATELLITE CONNECTIVITY.

(a) Review.--The Commission, in consultation with the Task Force, shall--

(1) review the rules of the Commission relating to fixed satellite service, mobile satellite service, and earth exploration satellite service to determine if there are rule changes that the Commission could implement under existing authority to promote precision agriculture; and

(2) if the Commission determines under paragraph (1) that there are rule changes that the Commission could implement, develop recommendations for how to implement the changes.

(b) Report.--Not later than 15 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the review conducted under subsection (a), including any recommendations developed under paragraph (2) of such subsection.

(c) Definitions.--In this section:

(1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal Communications Commission.

(2) Task force.--The term ``Task Force'' means the Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States established under section 12511 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334).

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my legislation, H.R. 1339, the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act, that I was pleased to introduce with the gentlewoman from Illinois' Second District.

For years, large parts of my district and rural areas across America have lacked access to fast broadband connections. Reliable internet access is more than just being able to stream your favorite TV shows and movies, Mr. Speaker. It is the crucial link connecting us all. Whether it is helping seniors access telehealth services or allowing students to complete homework assignments or enabling small businesses to reach global markets, our people, country, and economy run on a reliable internet connection.

Farmers in rural Ohio also know that reliable broadband connections are essential to their operations. After all, it helps deploy technologies that increase their productivity, produce higher yields, and minimize operating costs.

Today's smart agriculture technology, from autonomous tractors to distributed soil sensors, rely on internet connections to share data. In fact, farmers use information in real time to make smarter decisions on how to optimize inputs and whether and when to plant or harvest. When terrestrial or cellular networks are not available, satellite broadband steps in to make these technologies work.

However, it is not just advanced satellite broadband capabilities that improve precision agriculture. Earth imaging satellites also provide important information that can help farmers and ranchers identify visual trends that may require immediate attention. As we heard in hearings before the Energy and Commerce Committee, satellite communications technologies can offer an array of services that may promote precision agriculture.

In order to ensure our regulations maximize these opportunities, our legislation directs the FCC to evaluate its rules and identify potential changes that could further promote precision agriculture.

I am committed to ensuring our farmers have the tools needed at their disposal to help increase productivity while minimizing costs. This legislation is a good step forward in that mission.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC, April 24, 2023. Hon. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Chair, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Ms. Chair: I am writing concerning H.R. 1339, the ``Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act'', which your committee reported on April 24, 2023.

H.R. 1339 contains provisions within the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Rule Xjurisdiction. As a result of your having consulted with the Committee and in order to expedite this bill for floor consideration, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology will forego action on the bill. This is being done on the basis of our mutual understanding that doing so will in no way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology with respect to the appointment of conferees, or to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill or similar legislation.

I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming this understanding, and would request that you include a copy of this letter and your response in in the Congressional Record during the floor consideration of this bill. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Sincerely, Frank D. Lucas, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, DC, April 25, 2023. Hon. Frank D. Lucas, Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Lucas: Thank you for your letter concerning H.R. 1339, the ``Precision Agricultun Connectivity Act,'' which was referred solely to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

I understand that the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology (Committee on Science) has requested a sequential referral on the bill based on its jurisdiction over ``[a]stronautical research and development, including resources, personnel, equipment, and facilities,'' ``[e]nvironmental research and development,'' ``National Aeronautic sand Space Administration,'' and ``[o]uter Space, including exploration and control thereof.''

While I am not prepared to concede that point, I recognize the request for a sequential referral is not frivolous. I therefore thank the Committee on Science for not insist sequential referral request so that H.R. 1339 can be promptly scheduled for Floor consid the Majority Leader.

As a fellow committee chair, I understand it is your duty to protect the jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, and I agree that foregoing action on this bill will in no way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology with respect to the appointment of conferees, or to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in this bill or similar legislation.

I will place a copy of your letter and this response into the Congressional Record during the Floor consideration of this bill. Sincerely, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Chair.

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Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I also urge the passage of H.R. 1339, the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered.

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