[House Report 115-837]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
115th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 115-837
======================================================================
PRECISION AGRICULTURE CONNECTIVITY ACT OF 2018
_______
July 18, 2018.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Walden, from the Committee on Energy and Commerce, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 4881]
The Committee on Energy and Commerce, to whom was referred
the bill (H.R. 4881) to require the Federal Communications
Commission to establish a task force for meeting the
connectivity and technology needs of precision agriculture in
the United States, having considered the same, report favorably
thereon with amendments and recommend that the bill as amended
do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
Purpose and Summary.............................................. 4
Background and Need for Legislation.............................. 4
Committee Action................................................. 4
Committee Votes.................................................. 5
Oversight Findings and Recommendations........................... 5
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures 5
Congressional Budget Office Estimate............................. 5
Federal Mandates Statement....................................... 5
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............ 5
Duplication of Federal Programs.................................. 5
Committee Cost Estimate.......................................... 5
Earmark, Limited Tax Benefits, and Limited Tariff Benefits....... 6
Disclosure of Directed Rule Makings.............................. 6
Advisory Committee Statement..................................... 6
Applicability to Legislative Branch.............................. 6
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation................... 6
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported............ 7
The amendments are as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act
of 2018''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Precision agriculture technologies and practices allow
farmers to significantly increase crop yields, eliminate
overlap in operations, and reduce inputs such as seed,
fertilizer, pesticides, water, and fuel.
(2) These technologies allow farmers to collect data in real
time about their fields, automate field management, and
maximize resources.
(3) Studies estimate that precision agriculture technologies
can reduce agricultural operation costs by up to 25 dollars per
acre and increase farm yields by up to 70 percent by 2050.
(4) The critical cost savings and productivity benefits of
precision agriculture cannot be realized without the
availability of reliable broadband Internet access service
delivered to the agricultural land of the United States.
(5) The deployment of broadband Internet access service to
unserved agricultural land is critical to the United States
economy and to the continued leadership of the United States in
global food production.
(6) Despite the growing demand for broadband Internet access
service on agricultural land, broadband Internet access service
is not consistently available where needed for agricultural
operations.
(7) The Federal Communications Commission has an important
role to play in the deployment of broadband Internet access
service on unserved agricultural land to promote precision
agriculture.
SEC. 3. TASK FORCE.
(a) Definitions.--In this section--
(1) the term ``broadband Internet access service''--
(A) means a mass-market retail service by wire or
radio that provides the capability to transmit data to
and receive data from all or substantially all Internet
endpoints, including any capabilities that are
incidental to and enable the operation of the
communications service, but excluding dial-up Internet
access service; and
(B) also encompasses any service that the Commission
finds to be providing a functional equivalent of the
service described in subparagraph (A);
(2) the term ``Commission'' means the Federal Communications
Commission;
(3) the term ``Department'' means the Department of
Agriculture;
(4) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Agriculture; and
(5) the term ``Task Force'' means the Task Force for
Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision
Agriculture in the United States established under subsection
(b).
(b) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Commission shall establish the Task Force for
Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision
Agriculture in the United States.
(c) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Task Force shall consult with the
Secretary, or a designee of the Secretary, and collaborate with
public and private stakeholders in the agriculture and
technology fields to--
(A) identify and measure current gaps in the
availability of broadband Internet access service on
agricultural land;
(B) develop policy recommendations to promote the
rapid, expanded deployment of broadband Internet access
service on unserved agricultural land, with a goal of
achieving reliable capabilities on 95 percent of
agricultural land in the United States by 2025;
(C) promote effective policy and regulatory solutions
that encourage the adoption of broadband Internet
access service on farms and ranches and promote
precision agriculture;
(D) recommend specific new rules or amendments to
existing rules of the Commission that the Commission
should issue to achieve the goals and purposes of the
policy recommendations described in subparagraph (B);
(E) recommend specific steps that the Commission
should take to obtain reliable and standardized data
measurements of the availability of broadband Internet
access service as may be necessary to target funding
support, from future programs of the Commission
dedicated to the deployment of broadband Internet
access service, to unserved agricultural land in need
of broadband Internet access service; and
(F) recommend specific steps that the Commission
should consider to ensure that the expertise of the
Secretary and available farm data are reflected in
future programs of the Commission dedicated to the
infrastructure deployment of broadband Internet access
service and to direct available funding to unserved
agricultural land where needed.
(2) No duplicate data reporting.--In performing the duties of
the Commission under paragraph (1), the Commission shall ensure
that no provider of broadband Internet access service is
required to report data to the Commission that is, on the day
before the date of enactment of this Act, required to be
reported by the provider of broadband Internet access service.
(3) Hold harmless.--The Task Force and the Commission shall
not interpret the phrase ``future programs of the Commission'',
as used in subparagraphs (E) and (F) of paragraph (1), to
include the universal service programs of the Commission
established under section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934
(47 U.S.C. 254).
(4) Consultation.--The Secretary, or a designee of the
Secretary, shall explain and make available to the Task Force
the expertise, data mapping information, and resources of the
Department that the Department uses to identify cropland,
ranchland, and other areas with agricultural operations that
may be helpful in developing the recommendations required under
paragraph (1).
(5) List of available federal programs and resources.--Not
later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary and the Commission shall jointly submit to the
Task Force a list of all Federal programs or resources
available for the expansion of broadband Internet access
service on unserved agricultural land to assist the Task Force
in carrying out the duties of the Task Force.
(d) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Task Force shall be--
(A) composed of not more than 15 voting members who
shall--
(i) be selected by the Chairman of the
Commission, in consultation with the Secretary;
and
(ii) include--
(I) agricultural producers
representing diverse geographic regions
and farm sizes, including owners and
operators of farms of less than 100
acres;
(II) an agricultural producer
representing tribal agriculture;
(III) Internet service providers,
including regional or rural fixed and
mobile broadband Internet access
service providers and
telecommunications infrastructure
providers;
(IV) representatives from the
electric cooperative industry;
(V) representatives from the
satellite industry;
(VI) representatives from precision
agriculture equipment manufacturers,
including drone manufacturers,
manufacturers of autonomous
agricultural machinery, and
manufacturers of farming robotics
technologies;
(VII) representatives from State and
local governments; and
(VIII) representatives with relevant
expertise in broadband network data
collection, geospatial analysis, and
coverage mapping; and
(B) fairly balanced in terms of technologies, points
of view, and fields represented on the Task Force.
(2) Period of appointment; vacancies.--
(A) In general.--A member of the Task Force appointed
under paragraph (1)(A) shall serve for a single term of
2 years.
(B) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the Task Force--
(i) shall not affect the powers of the Task
Force; and
(ii) shall be filled in the same manner as
the original appointment.
(3) Ex-officio member.--The Secretary, or a designee of the
Secretary, shall serve as an ex-officio, nonvoting member of
the Task Force.
(e) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the
Commission establishes the Task Force, and annually thereafter, the
Task Force shall submit to the Chairman of the Commission a report,
which shall be made public not later than 30 days after the date on
which the Chairman receives the report, that details--
(1) the status of fixed and mobile broadband Internet access
service coverage of agricultural land;
(2) the projected future connectivity needs of agricultural
operations, farmers, and ranchers; and
(3) the steps being taken to accurately measure the
availability of broadband Internet access service on
agricultural land and the limitations of current, as of the
date of the report, measurement processes.
(f) Termination.--The Commission shall renew the Task Force every 2
years until the Task Force terminates on January 1, 2025.
Amend the title so as to read:
A bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to
establish a task force for reviewing the connectivity and
technology needs of precision agriculture in the United States.
PURPOSE AND SUMMARY
H.R. 4881, the ``Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of
2018'' was introduced on January 25, 2018, by Representative
Robert E. Latta (R-OH). H.R. 4881 would require the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC), in collaboration with the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA), to form a task force to
evaluate the best ways to meet the broadband needs of precision
agriculture in the United States. The task force would focus on
identifying and measuring gaps in broadband coverage, and
developing policy recommendations to promote rapid, expanded
deployment of broadband in agricultural areas.
BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION
The Committee on Energy and Commerce has prioritized
policies that facilitate the deployment of broadband across
America, especially to rural America. Witness testimony has
indicated broadband access provides numerous benefits to
consumers, as the benefits of broadband access in rural America
provides an essential anchor to economic growth. Broadband
networks have been disproportionately rolled out to urban
areas, and many rural businesses do not have access to
broadband services.. Both the FCC and the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, through the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), provide
Federal support to bring broadband to rural areas. In rural
areas, broadband has the potential to enable precision
agriculture for farmers and ranchers by integrating emerging
technologies and global position systems (GPS) to assist in the
most efficient use of their land.
COMMITTEE ACTION
On January 30, 2018, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing on H.R. 4881. The Subcommittee
received testimony from:
Jonathan Spalter, President and CEO,
USTelecom;
Brad Gillen, Executive Vice President, CTIA;
Matthew Polka, President and CEO, American
Cable Association;
Shirley Bloomfield, CEO, NTCA--The Rural
Broadband Association;
Scott Slesinger, Legislative Director,
National Resources Defense Council;
Joanne S. Hovis, President, CTC Technology
and Energy; and
Elin Swanson Katz, Consumer Counsel,
Connecticut Consumer Counsel.
On June 13, 2018, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology met in open markup session and forwarded H.R. 4881,
as amended, to the full Committee by a voice vote. On July 12,
2018, the full Committee on Energy and Commerce met in open
markup session and ordered H.R. 4881, as amended, favorably
reported to the House by a voice vote.
COMMITTEE VOTES
Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives requires the Committee to list the record votes
on the motion to report legislation and amendments thereto.
There were no recorded votes taken in connection with ordering
H.R. 4881 reported.
OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee held a hearing and made
findings that are reflected in this report.
NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY, ENTITLEMENT AUTHORITY, AND TAX EXPENDITURES
In compliance with clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, the Committee finds that H.R.
4881 would result in no new or increased budget authority,
entitlement authority, or tax expenditures or revenues.
CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE ESTIMATE
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, at the time this report was filed,
the cost estimate prepared by the Director of the Congressional
Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974 was not available.
FEDERAL MANDATES STATEMENT
The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of Federal
mandates prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget
Office pursuant to section 423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform
Act.
STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII, the general
performance goal or objective of this legislation is to form a
task force at the FCC, in cooperation with the USDA, to promote
rapid, expanded deployment of broadband in agricultural areas.
DUPLICATION OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS
No provision of H.R. 4881 establishes or reauthorizes a
program of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of
another Federal program, a program that was included in any
report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress
pursuantto section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program
related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance.
COMMITTEE COST ESTIMATE
The Committee adopts as its own the cost estimate prepared
by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to
section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. At the
time this report was filed, the estimate was not available.
EARMARK, LIMITED TAX BENEFITS, AND LIMITED TARIFF BENEFITS
Pursuant to clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI, the
Committee finds that H.R. 4881 contains no earmarks, limited
tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits.
DISCLOSURE OF DIRECTED RULE MAKINGS
Pursuant to section 3(i) of H. Res. 5, the Committee finds
that H.R. 4881 contains no directed rule makings.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT
No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b)
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act were created by this
legislation.
APPLICABILITY TO LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public
services or accommodations within the meaning of section
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.
SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS OF THE LEGISLATION
Section 1. Short title
Section 1 provides that the Act may be cited as the
``Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018.''
Section 2. Findings
Section 2 finds that precision agriculture technologies and
practices allow farmers to increase significantly crop yields,
eliminate overlap in operations, and reduce inputs such as
seed, fertilizer, pesticides, water, and fuel; that these
technologies allow farmers to collect data in real time; that
studies estimate that precision agriculture can reduce
agricultural operation costs by up to 25 dollars per acre and
increase farm yields by up to 70 percent by 2050; that the
critical cost savings and productivity benefits of precision
agriculture cannot be realized without the availability of
reliable broadband Internet access service; that the deployment
of broadband Internet access service to unserved agricultural
land is critical to the U.S. economy and to continued
leadership of the U.S. in global food production; that
broadband Internet access service is not consistently available
where needed for agricultural operations; and that the FCC has
an important role to play in the deployment of broadband
Internet access service in unserved agricultural land to
promote precision agriculture.
Section 3. Task Force
Section 3 requires the Commission to establish the Task
Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of
Precision Agriculture not later than 1 year after enactment.
Section 3 also requires the Commission to consult with the
Secretary of Agriculture and collaborate with public and
private stakeholders to identify and measure current gaps in
broadband on agricultural lands; to develop policy
recommendations to promote the rapid, expanded deployment of
broadband on unserved agricultural land; to promote effective
policy and regulatory solutions that encourage the adoption of
broadband Internet access service on farms and ranches and
promote precision agriculture; to recommend specific new rules
or amendments to existing rules of the Commission to achieve
the goals and purposes of the policy recommendations above; to
recommend specific steps that the Commission should take to
obtain reliable and standardized data measurements of the
availability of broadband; and to recommend specific steps that
the Commission should consider to ensure that the expertise of
the Secretary of Agriculture and available farm data are
reflected in future programs of the Commission dedicated to
infrastructure deployment of broadband.
Section 3 further requires the FCC and the Secretary of
Agriculture to submit to the task force a list of all Federal
programs or resources available for the expansion of broadband
access on unserved agricultural land within 180 days of
enactment.
Finally, Section 3 establishes the membership of the task
force, and provides that the task force shall be renewed by the
FCC every two years until it terminates on January 1, 2025.
CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED
This legislation does not amend any existing Federal
statute.
[all]