A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 9 cosponsors
Last activity — Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act" aims to speed up the processing of satellite and space licenses. It mandates that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) grant or deny certain applications, such as those for space stations or earth stations, within a specific one-year timeframe. The bill establishes strict deadlines for reviews, renewals, and modifications to prevent regulatory delays. It also includes provisions for "deemed granted" status if the Commission fails to act by a deadline. Additionally, the act addresses national security reviews for entities with reportable foreign ownership.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +6
Would business owners be better off under this?
The act significantly reduces regulatory hurdles and processing times for space industry business owners.
- Scored +5
Is this likely to create jobs?
The bill aims to sustain global leadership in commercial space, which the sense of Congress notes spurs job creation.
- Scored +4
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill reduces regulatory delays and information burdens for satellite and space station operators.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Efficiency for Space Industry: The bill requires the Commission to grant or deny applications for non-geostationary and geostationary orbit space stations, earth stations, and blanket-licensed earth stations within one year of a completed application (Section 3(a)(c)(1)).
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Faster Processing for Modifications: The act mandates that requests to modify a license to increase transmission capacity or improve spectral efficiency be granted within 90 days (Section 3(a)(c)(5)).
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Rapid Replacement of Equipment: The Commission is required to grant or deny requests to replace a space station or earth station with a technically similar one within 30 days (Section 3(a)(c)(6)).
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Simplified Operations for Operators: Non-geostationary orbit operators are permitted to add an authorized space station as a communication point to an authorized ground station through a notification-only basis, without needing a new application (Section 3(a)(c)(7)(A)).
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Protection Against Regulatory Delay: The "deemed granted" provision ensures that if the Commission fails to act on a license application or a renewal request by the deadline, the application or renewal is considered granted (Section 3(a)(c)(3)(C) and Section 3(a)(c)(4)(B)).
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Reduction of Information Burdens: The Commission is directed to limit the information required from applicants to only what is strictly necessary and to reduce requests for information that has already been collected (Section 3(a)(f)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Limited Review Extension for Security: The Commission can only extend a review period for up to 90 days, and only under extraordinary circumstances involving danger to life, property, or national defense (Section 3(a)(c)(3)(A)).
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Strict Limits on Market Access: No grant of market access can be issued for a term exceeding 15 years (Section 3(a)(c)(2)(B)).
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Mandatory Foreign Ownership Reviews: Entities with reportable foreign ownership must have their applications referred to the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Services Sector for national security and law enforcement reviews (Section 3(a)(c)(9)(A)).
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.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill aims to sustain global leadership in commercial space, which the sense of Congress notes spurs job creation. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill reduces regulatory delays and information burdens for satellite and space station operators.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The act significantly reduces regulatory hurdles and processing times for space industry business owners. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Improved telecommunications efficiency can benefit connectivity in all areas, including urban centers.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — Streamlined satellite licensing can expedite the deployment of communication infrastructure to rural areas.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the FCC to submit an annual report on the backlog of applications to Congress.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill supports the commercial space industry which is fundamental to scientific and space exploration.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — Enhanced satellite communications support essential national defense and security infrastructure. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — Maintaining US leadership in space technology strengthens its position among international allies.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this tighten control of the border? — Increased satellite capacity can assist in broader national security and monitoring efforts.
- 6/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/21/2026
- 7 Cosponsors added.
- 2/12/2026
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 1/14/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina
John CornynRepublican · Texas
Joni ErnstRepublican · Iowa
Cynthia LummisRepublican · Wyoming
Jerry MoranRepublican · Kansas
David McCormickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Rick ScottRepublican · Florida
Eric SchmittRepublican · Missouri
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont