Findlay Times

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has moved forward with the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act, a bipartisan initiative spearheaded by Congressman Bob Latta from Ohio and Congresswoman Robin Kelly from Illinois. This legislation aims to facilitate the integration of technology in farming operations.

Latta and Kelly initially introduced this bill on February 26, 2025. A similar version was presented during the 118th Congress, where it successfully passed the U.S. House with a vote of 409-11 on April 26, 2023.

Congressman Latta expressed satisfaction with the committee's decision: "I'm pleased the Energy and Commerce Committee today advanced this important and bipartisan legislation to ensure farmers have the tools and technology they need to run their operations efficiently." He further urged his colleagues to support the bill when it reaches the House floor for consideration.

Congresswoman Kelly highlighted her district's diverse agricultural landscape: "I'm proud to represent a district that's urban, suburban, and rural with over 4,500 farms," she stated. Emphasizing bipartisan cooperation, she added, "During a time when farmers are struggling to make ends meet, we must work in a bipartisan spirit to ensure they have the updated and necessary technology."

The proposed act mandates that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) review its satellite regulations to identify potential changes that could enhance precision agriculture. This effort builds upon Latta's previous work with the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act included in the Farm Bill signed into law in 2018.