Commerce Committee Approves Fischer Bill to Protect American Satellites

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation passed Senator Deb Fischer's (R-NE) Secure Space Act to prevent foreign adversaries from accessing American satellite systems.

"Our adversaries are working around the clock to compromise our national security and leadership on the world stage," said Fischer. "Those threats no longer come just from land or sea, but from beyond our stratosphere. This legislation protects our satellite infrastructure and keeps those who seek to do us harm from having a foot in our networks."

Background

The Secure Space Act prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting satellite licenses or U.S. market access for foreign-licensed satellite systems to any entity or its affiliates that produce or provide communications equipment, or services deemed a national security risk.

This legislation amends the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 to extend this prohibition to both geostationary and non-geostationary orbit satellite systems and includes gateway stations within its scope. It applies to new licenses and authorizations issued after the bill's enactment and requires the FCC to establish implementing regulations within one year.

See bill text here.

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