Cybersecurity Policy Report, Two Telecom Security Bills Advance in House, (Mar 4, 2025)
Two bills that aim to assess and improve the cybersecurity of telecom networks today cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
By voice vote, the committee advanced the NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act (H.R. 1766, 119th Cong. (2025)) and the Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act (H.R. 1709, 119th Cong. (2025)).
Both bills would provide new tasks for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
HR 1766, sponsored by Reps. Jay Obernolte (R., Calif.) and Jennifer McClellan (D., Va.), would give the NTIA’s Office for Policy Analysis and Development a new name—the Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity—and codify its activities.
“As we continue to witness rapid advancements in telecommunications and digital infrastructure, it’s imperative that we strengthen our nation’s cybersecurity posture to protect against emerging threats both domestic and foreign,” Rep. Obernolte said at today’s markup.
“This bill addresses a critical gap by formalizing the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s role in cybersecurity policy development,” he said.
The new office would also provide “technical assistance” to small and rural telecom carriers, he added.
Rep. McClellan said the recent Salt Typhoon cyber espionage campaign orchestrated by the Chinese government to target U.S. telecom carriers showed the need for stronger cyber defenses in the telecom sector.
“Last year, the Salt Typhoon cyber attack caused the United States to experience one of the most sophisticated and nefarious assaults on our telecommunications networks. Salt Typhoon was a stark reminder of the evolving cyber threats we face,” Rep. McClellan noted.
“It is now more important than ever that NTIA is fully empowered to assess risks, coordinate responses, and proactively shape policies to protect American consumers and businesses,” she said.
HR 1709, sponsored by Reps. Kat Cammack (R., Fla.) and Greg Landsman (D., Ohio), would direct NTIA to study cyber threats targeting mobile networks and devices and provide recommendations to Congress on strengthening mobile networks’ cyber defenses.
“In today’s digital age, mobile networks serve as the backbone of our economy, national security, and everyday communications,” Rep. Cammack said.
“However, these networks and the devices that rely on them face increasing threats from cyber attacks and surveillance conducted by foreign adversaries. Our ability to secure these networks is not just an IT issue. It is a matter of national security and economic stability,” she said.
Both bills cleared the House last session but failed to advance in the Senate.
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