Luján Legislation to Secure America’s Satellite Systems Unanimously Passes Senate

Washington, D.C. - This week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Secure Space Act, legislation led by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, and U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media. The bipartisan Secure Space Act would protect America's satellite systems from foreign threats and strengthen national security.

"As satellite technology continues to advance, so do the threats to our national security, and we must act swiftly to safeguard our critical infrastructure," said Senator Luján. "I'm proud that the Senate unanimously passed my Secure Space Act, legislation that blocks satellite licenses for untrusted entities and protects our skies from foreign adversaries. This legislation is necessary to defend our communications networks from foreign entities that seek to undermine our security and technological leadership."

Background:

The Secure Space Act prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting satellite licenses or U.S. market access for foreign-licensed satellite systems to any entity or its affiliates that produce or provide communications equipment or services deemed a national security risk.

The legislation amends the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 to extend this prohibition to both geostationary and non-geostationary orbit satellite systems, including gateway stations. It applies to new licenses and authorizations issued after the bill's enactment and requires the FCC to establish implementing regulations within one year.

Click here to read text of the bill.

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