Cybersecurity Policy Report, Senate Passes Satellite Defense, Cybersecurity Bills, (Sep 25, 2026)

By Paul Kirby

The Senate has passed legislation that 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.

The Secure Space Act (S 1962), which was sponsored 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, passed the Senate by unanimous consent.

“The threat foreign adversaries pose to our satellite infrastructure cannot be overstated,” Sen. Fischer said. “Countries like China and Russia are constantly trying to infiltrate our networks and get ahead. I am thankful my colleagues understand the importance of this legislation and the national security risks we face.”

The measure “applies to new licenses and authorizations issued after the bill’s enactment and requires the FCC to establish implementing regulations within one year,” a news release noted.

The Senate also approved by unanimous consent the Satellite Cybersecurity Act (S 3404), which was sponsored by Sens. Gary Peters (D., Mich.) and John Cornyn (R., Texas).

It would direct the Commerce Department to report on federal support for commercial satellite system cybersecurity and a strategy for federal agencies to improve commercial satellite systems’ cybersecurity.

Both bills cleared the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in April (CPR, April 15).

News: FederalLegislation DataSecurity