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Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) and Congresswoman Robin Kelly’s (D-IL2) legislation, the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act, was unanimously approved by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. 

Latta's bill would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review its current satellite rules to determine if rule changes can be made to promote precision agriculture. This latest effort builds upon Latta’s Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, included in the Farm Bill and signed into law in 2018, which established the Precision Agriculture Task Force. 

“Farmers in Ohio’s Fifth District increasingly rely on advanced technologies to improve efficiency in their operations,” Latta said. “Despite billions of dollars being made available for rural broadband deployment in recent years, too many communities continue to lack Internet access. And while many farms have made progress in accessing fixed and wireless networks, we know that satellite technology can play a key role in connecting equipment or sensors in the field. I am pleased my Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act is moving forward which will help farmers access wireless technologies to increase productivity and produce higher yields, while minimizing operating costs.” 

“Complex problems require bold, innovative solutions,” Kelly said. “With over 2000 farms in my district, I am constantly working to ensure that they can sustain their operations and increase profitability. I am proud to partner with Rep. Latta in introducing the bipartisan Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act to promote precision agriculture which will maximize yield, efficiency, and profitability. This bill puts America’s innovation and ingenuity to work to ensure that farmers have the resources they need to continue to provide the backbone of our food supply.”

Click here for full text of the bill. 

Latta and Kelly’s bipartisan work:

As members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Latta and Kelly have partnered on bipartisan efforts in the past, including work to find solutions to reduce maternal deaths and improve health outcomes for mothers. 

In addition, Latta and Kelly recently participated in the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Congressional Exchange Program. This program allows Members of Congress to visit a Member of the opposite party in their district. That member, in turn, reciprocates the following year or when schedules permit. 

An example of a tour stop during Kelly’s visit to Latta’s district here, and Latta’s visit to Kelly’s district here. 

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