Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act
Precision Agriculture: Updating Satellite Rules for Farmers
The Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act has passed the House of Representatives and is now being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The bill is actively moving through the legislative process as it awaits further action from the committee. There are currently no upcoming votes scheduled for this bill.
Legislative Progress
This bill passed the House and focuses on rural connectivity, which usually has strong support from both parties. Since it only requires a study and report, it is unlikely to face major pushback.
Key Points
- This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to review its current rules for different types of satellite services. The goal is to see if changing these rules could help farmers use high-tech tools that rely on satellite connections.
- Farmers who use precision agriculture would be the most affected. These technologies help them use less water and fertilizer by using data from space, but they need reliable signals to work in remote rural fields.
- The government wants to make sure that satellite regulations are not standing in the way of modern farming. Better connectivity could help farmers increase their crop yields and lower their costs by making their equipment more efficient.
- If this bill becomes law, the agency will have 15 months to finish its review. They must then give a report to Congress that explains what rules should be changed to better support the farming industry.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3211)
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1618.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(2)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.