Jim Banks (R-IN)
Blocking Foreign Cellular Modules in Defense Systems Act of 2026
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
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
This bill is called the Blocking Foreign Cellular Modules in Defense Systems Act of 2026. It requires the Secretary of Defense to start a Department-wide audit within 180 days to find covered cellular modules in Department of Defense systems and infrastructure. The audit must prioritize critical systems like military mobility, logistics, and installation security, and it must look at both government-owned and contractor-operated systems. The Secretary must also submit reports on the audit and mitigation activities to the congressional defense committees. Furthermore, the Comptroller General of the United States must submit a report on the implementation and effectiveness of these activities.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +8
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill mandates a Department of Defense audit and mitigation plan for covered cellular modules to address cybersecurity risks.
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates regular reporting by the Secretary of Defense and the Comptroller General to congressional committees regarding audit findings and mitigation.
- Scored +5
Does this give people more control over their personal data?
Identifying and mitigating foreign cellular modules within defense networks helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Section 2(a) requires an audit of Department of Defense systems to identify covered cellular modules and assess cybersecurity risks. This could be positive because it helps find potential security vulnerabilities in military systems and infrastructure.
- Section 2(b) requires the Secretary of Defense to describe ongoing and planned mitigation measures, such as rip-and-replace programs, network segmentation, and supply-chain substitution. This could be positive because it outlines concrete steps to fix security risks found during the audit.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions that explicitly detail 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.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill mandates a Department of Defense audit and mitigation plan for covered cellular modules to address cybersecurity risks. Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — Enhanced cybersecurity and infrastructure integrity in the Department of Defense indirectly benefits overall military readiness and personnel support.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates regular reporting by the Secretary of Defense and the Comptroller General to congressional committees regarding audit findings and mitigation. Does this give the federal government more power? — The legislation requires the Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive Department-wide audit and submit recurring reports to Congress.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — Identifying and mitigating foreign cellular modules within defense networks helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Improving the security and resilience of Department of Defense infrastructure contributes to a more secure defense establishment for veterans and active service members.
- 9/29/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- 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.