Whereas the Global Positioning System (referred to in this preamble as GPS ) offers both military and civilian benefits of positioning, navigation, and timing services; Whereas the GPS constellation is managed and operated by the Air Force and consists of more than 30 satellites operating at an altitude of approximately 12,550 miles above the Earth; Whereas GPS-enabled precision agriculture has led to input cost savings of $8,200,000,000 and yield increases in grain production in the United States; Whereas GPS precision timing allows for accurate record management by major financial institutions, including detailed transaction management for large and small businesses; Whereas GPS has proven to be an essential tool in facilitating social and economic activity around the world; Whereas consumers overwhelmingly access GPS using a variety of platforms, such as smartphones and a wireless broadband connection; Whereas cities leverage GPS applications to support Smart Cities initiatives that will increase service efficiency, resulting in savings in time and money to taxpayers; Whereas first responders utilize GPS to enable more timely and accurate disaster response, improve situational awareness as well as for identifying the location of 9–1–1 calls made from wireless phones; Whereas the safety of our Nation’s rail systems is improved by implementing GPS-based Positive Train Control (PTC) systems; Whereas GPS-enabled applications and services enhance the independence of individuals with visual impairments; Whereas marine operations depend on GPS for precise navigation as well as for determining location and measuring speed; Whereas the land surveying and mapping sector utilizes GPS to produce data that are more accurate and reliable; Whereas GPS-based time synchronization assists power and utility companies in providing efficient power transmission and distribution; Whereas smart grid infrastructure is increasingly reliant on GPS for synchronization and system resilience