Passed one chamber, waiting for the other to take it up
Passed one chamber, and the other has not yet sent it to a committee or put it on its calendar.
The other chamber will hand it to a committee, place it on its calendar, or leave it where it is. Nothing has been decided, and a bill can sit here indefinitely.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed Senate unanimous consent
- Awaiting House
The Senate by unanimous consent (no one objected, so there was no vote): no senator's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Secure Space Act of 2026. It updates the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. The bill stops the Federal Communications Commission from giving out certain satellite licenses and market access. It also stops authorizations for earth stations if they are held or controlled by a listed entity or an affiliate. The Federal Communications Commission must issue rules to put this section into action within one year.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +7
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
Prevents potentially compromised or adversarial communications equipment from being used in U.S. satellite infrastructure.
- Scored +4
Does this give people more control over their personal data?
Reducing the use of covered (untrusted) equipment mitigates risks of unauthorized data interception.
- Scored +3
Does this give the federal government more power?
Expands the FCC's authority to deny licenses and market access based on equipment provenance.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -2
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
Restricting satellite licenses may limit the number of providers and potentially slow the expansion of satellite-based internet.
- Scored -2
Does this make trade with other countries easier?
Restricts market access for specific foreign entities providing covered equipment.
- Scored -2
Would business owners be better off under this?
Limits market entry and partnership opportunities for certain satellite and communications business owners.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Section 2: This section stops the Federal Communications Commission from granting licenses, market access, or earth station authorizations to entities identified on the Covered List or their affiliates. This may be considered positive because it blocks risky entities from controlling satellite systems and earth stations in the United States.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2: The text of the bill does not explicitly mention any negative 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.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — Limits the presence of untrusted hardware that could facilitate spying or data breaches. Does this give the federal government more power? — Expands the FCC's authority to deny licenses and market access based on equipment provenance.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — Reducing the use of covered (untrusted) equipment mitigates risks of unauthorized data interception. Does this put more rules on large technology companies? — Increases FCC oversight and restrictions on specific technology providers in the space sector. Does this get reliable internet to more people? — Restricting satellite licenses may limit the number of providers and potentially slow the expansion of satellite-based internet.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — Prevents potentially compromised or adversarial communications equipment from being used in U.S. satellite infrastructure. Does this make trade with other countries easier? — Restricts market access for specific foreign entities providing covered equipment.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Limits market entry and partnership opportunities for certain satellite and communications business owners. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Potential reduction in satellite provider competition could negatively impact rural areas relying on these services.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Limits the use of untrusted communications equipment in satellite networks, potentially increasing security for consumers.
- 9/24/2026
- Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Held at the desk.
- Received in the House.
- 9/23/2026
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4956; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S4956)
- Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4956; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S4956)
- 9/14/2026
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 119-138.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 557.
- 4/14/2026
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 6/5/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico