Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
Secure Space Act of 2025
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- In Senate committee
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Secure Space Act of 2025. It amends the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. The bill stops the Federal Communications Commission from granting certain satellite licenses, United States market access, or earth station authorizations. These restrictions apply if the license, market access, or authorization would be held or controlled by an entity that produces or provides covered communications equipment or service, or an affiliate of such an entity. The Federal Communications Commission must issue rules to implement this new section not later than one year after the date of enactment.
Yes
- Scored +3
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
By prohibiting certain satellite licenses, the bill seeks to secure communication networks against potential foreign or unauthorized entity control.
- Scored +2
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill aims to secure communications networks by restricting entities that provide covered communications equipment.
- Scored +2
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill expands the regulatory authority of the FCC to deny licenses based on the identity of the entity seeking them.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Would business owners be better off under this?
Satellite service providers and related technology companies may face barriers to entering or operating in the U.S. market.
- Scored -2
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
The prohibition on certain satellite licenses and earth station authorizations could limit the availability of satellite-based internet services.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Section 10(a): This provision stops the Federal Communications Commission from granting certain satellite licenses, United States market access, or earth station authorizations to entities that produce or provide covered communications equipment or services, or their affiliates. This might be considered positive because it blocks these specific entities from controlling these systems.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 10(a): The text does not explicitly mention any potential negative outcomes, consequences, or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — By prohibiting certain satellite licenses, the bill seeks to secure communication networks against potential foreign or unauthorized entity control.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Satellite service providers and related technology companies may face barriers to entering or operating in the U.S. market.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill aims to secure communications networks by restricting entities that provide covered communications equipment.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The prohibition on certain satellite licenses and earth station authorizations could limit the availability of satellite-based internet services.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands the regulatory authority of the FCC to deny licenses based on the identity of the entity seeking them.
- 4/29/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 4/28/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1652)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1652)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2458.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1652-1653)
- Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 4/24/2025
- Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-65.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 42.
- 4/8/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 52 - 1.
- 3/27/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Brett GuthrieRepublican · Kentucky