Cybersecurity Policy Report, Senate Committee to Mark Up Satellite Cybersecurity Bills, (Mar 19, 2026)

By Paul Kirby

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee plans to mark up bipartisan space and satellite bills among others at an executive session scheduled for next Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building.

The committee plans to consider the Secure Space Act (S 1962), which was introduced by Sens. Deb Fischer (R., Neb.) and Ben Ray Luján (D., N.M.), the respective chair and ranking member of the telecommunications and media subcommittee.

The bill would prohibit the FCC from granting a license or U.S. market access for a geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) or non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) system or earth station if they are held or controlled by an entity that produces or provides equipment or services that are considered unsecure under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act.

In April 2025, the House passed by voice vote a companion bill (HR 2458), introduced by Reps. Brett Guthrie (R., Ky.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Frank Pallone Jr. (D., N.J.), its ranking member (CPR, April 28, 2025).

The committee also plans to consider the Satellite Cybersecurity Act (S 3404), which was introduced by Sen. Gary Peters (D., Mich.) and is co-sponsored by Sen. John Cornyn (R., Texas).

The measure would direct the Commerce Department to develop a commercial satellite system cybersecurity clearinghouse and strategy for federal agencies to improve commercial satellite systems’ cybersecurity.

In addition, the Government Accountability Office would have to complete a study of federal government actions to support the cybersecurity of commercial satellite systems.

News: FederalLegislation DataSecurity