Deb Fischer (R-NE)

Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act

S. 259 · Senate bill Science, Technology, Communications

A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors

Last activity — Held at the desk.

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

  1. Introduced
  2. Passed Senate voice vote
  3. Awaiting House

The Senate by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no senator's position on it was recorded.

What this bill would do

This Act, known as the ``Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act,'' directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create and maintain a list of specific entities. This list includes organizations that hold FCC licenses or other grants of authority and have certain foreign ownership. Specifically, it targets entities where a "covered country" holds an equity interest or exerts control as determined by a national security agency. The Commission is required to publish this list on its website within 120 days of the Act's enactment. Additionally, the Commission must establish rules to identify other entities holding various authorizations or grants of authority. The list must be updated at least once a year.

Yes

  • Scored +5

    Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?

    The bill mandates the publication of a list of entities with specific foreign ownership on the FCC website to inform the public.

  • Scored +3

    Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?

    The bill increases transparency regarding foreign control of communications infrastructure, which is a component of national security.

  • Scored +2

    Does this give people more control over their personal data?

    By identifying foreign-controlled entities in the communications sector, the bill provides more information regarding potential data security risks.

The opposite

No question was scored the opposite.