Gary Peters (D-MI)
Satellite Cybersecurity Act of 2025
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
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
- 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 requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study and report on the actions the Federal Government has taken to support the cybersecurity of commercial satellite systems. It directs the Secretary of Commerce, alongside the Secretary of Homeland Security, to develop and maintain an online clearinghouse that serves as a repository for publicly available cybersecurity resources and voluntary recommendations. The legislation also requires the Secretary of Commerce, the National Space Council, and the Office of the National Cyber Director to submit a strategy to support coordination and voluntary best practices among federal agencies and private sector stakeholders. Additionally, the bill mandates regular reports to specific congressional committees regarding the status of the clearinghouse and agency coordination. Finally, the text explicitly states that nothing in the Act creates new regulations, designates commercial satellite systems as critical infrastructure, or changes existing agency authorities.
Yes· 3 of 12
- Scored +8
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
Directly aims to improve the cybersecurity of commercial satellite systems against foreign threats and hijacking.
- Scored +6
Would business owners be better off under this?
Provides critical security resources and guidelines for those operating commercial satellite systems.
- Scored +5
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
Specifically requires the creation of cybersecurity resources aimed at assisting small business concerns.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Assistance for Small Businesses: Section 4(b)(2)(D) ensures that the new online cybersecurity clearinghouse contains materials specifically aimed at helping small business concerns securely develop, operate, and maintain commercial satellite systems, which can benefit smaller companies that may lack dedicated cybersecurity resources.
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Public Access to Cybersecurity Tools: Section 4(b)(1) and Section 4(b)(2)(A) require the creation of a publicly available online clearinghouse that houses resources, guidance, frameworks, and voluntary tools, giving individuals and industry operators easy access to information to protect satellite systems.
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Identification of Government Support and Risks: Section 3(b)(1) requires a comprehensive study on federal cybersecurity efforts, how federal agencies mitigate risks related to foreign-owned satellite infrastructure, and recommendations to support satellite cybersecurity, which holds officials accountable and informs the public on federal actions.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Reliance on Voluntary Measures: Section 4(c)(1) and Section 6(3) clarify that the cybersecurity recommendations are strictly voluntary and that the Act cannot authorize any rulemaking or regulatory requirements, meaning there are no mandatory federal safety rules enforced on commercial satellite operators to protect the public from potential space-based cyber threats.
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? — Directly aims to improve the cybersecurity of commercial satellite systems against foreign threats and hijacking. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — Mentions supporting related efforts with international entities.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Specifically requires the creation of cybersecurity resources aimed at assisting small business concerns. Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Securing satellite systems protects the critical infrastructure that consumers rely upon. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Enhanced cybersecurity for satellite systems supports the stability of the commercial space economy.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Provides critical security resources and guidelines for those operating commercial satellite systems. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Satellite security is crucial for rural areas that rely on satellite for communication.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — Promotes the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of data in transit through satellite systems. Does this put more into space exploration? — Supports the secure operation of commercial space assets. Does this get reliable internet to more people? — Securing satellite systems ensures more reliable satellite-based internet connectivity.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires the creation of a publicly available online clearinghouse for cybersecurity resources. Does this give the federal government more power? — Increases the role of the Secretary of Commerce and other agencies in coordinating satellite cybersecurity.
- 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 by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4956-4958; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S4957-4958)
- Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4956-4958; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S4957-4958)
- 9/14/2026
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-141.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 560.
- 4/14/2026
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 12/9/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
John CornynRepublican · Texas