Secure Space Act of 2025
Secure Space Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Secure Space Act of 2025 Summary **What It Does:** The Secure Space Act would prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from issuing licenses to foreign satellite companies and ground stations that pose national security risks. Specifically, it blocks licenses for entities that produce or provide communications equipment or services on the FCC's "Covered List" of security concerns—such as companies like Huawei Technologies. The bill also prevents these foreign entities from gaining access to the U.S. market for satellite communications. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects foreign satellite and communications companies deemed security risks, preventing them from operating in U.S. airspace or communicating with U.S.
ground stations. Indirectly, it could impact American consumers and businesses by limiting which international satellite providers can offer services in the U.S., potentially affecting satellite internet and telecommunications options. **Current Status:** The bill has passed the House of Representatives. It now moves to the Senate for consideration. If passed there and signed by the President, it would give the FCC clear authority to restrict foreign satellite operators it views as national security threats, particularly those from countries like China.
CRS Official Summary
Secure Space Act of 2025This bill prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting satellite licenses or earth station authorizations, including U.S. market access for foreign-licensed satellites, to specified foreign entities of concern and their affiliates. (Earth stations, also commonly known as ground stations, are earth-based radio stations that communicate with satellites. A grant of U.S. market access permits one or more foreign-licensed satellites to communicate with one or more U.S.-licensed earth stations.)Specifically, the FCC may not grant a satellite license, an earth station authorization, or market access to any entity, or an affiliate thereof, that produces or provides communications equipment or services deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States. (The FCC maintains a list of such equipment and services, known as the Covered List. Providers of such equipment and services include, for example, Huawei Technologies Company and ZTE Corporation.)
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.