Robert Wittman (R-VA)
Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 4 cosponsors
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
The Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create and publish a public list on its website. This list will identify entities holding certain FCC licenses or authorizations that have ownership or control by a covered entity. A covered entity includes governments or organizations from a covered country. The FCC must update this list at least once a year. The act also requires the FCC to create rules to identify other entities with similar foreign ownership for inclusion on the list.
Yes
- Scored +2
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill directly aims to improve government transparency by publishing information on foreign ownership.
- Scored +1
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
Increased transparency could help identify vulnerabilities and improve cybersecurity.
- Scored +1
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
Increased transparency regarding foreign ownership could indirectly improve consumer protection.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Would business owners be better off under this?
Business owners might face increased compliance costs.
- Scored -1
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The need to comply with information requests could slightly increase the administrative burden on small businesses.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Increased Transparency: The FCC is required to publish a list of entities with foreign ownership or control on its internet website, which provides public information about who holds certain communications authorizations. (Section 2(a))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts identified: The provided text does not contain information regarding negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups.
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.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill directly aims to improve government transparency by publishing information on foreign ownership.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Business owners might face increased compliance costs.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — Increased transparency could help identify vulnerabilities and improve cybersecurity.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Increased transparency regarding foreign ownership could indirectly improve consumer protection. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The need to comply with information requests could slightly increase the administrative burden on small businesses.
- 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 H1665)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1665)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 906.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1665-1666)
- Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 4/24/2025
- Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-73.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 50.
- 4/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/8/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 1/31/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 3 Cosponsors 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.
Kathy CastorDemocrat · Florida
Ro KhannaDemocrat · California
Thomas KeanRepublican · New Jersey
Elise StefanikRepublican · New York