The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on April 14 passed a bill sponsored by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) that would prevent foreign adversaries from accessing American satellite systems.
The bipartisan Secure Space Act of 2025, S. 1962, which is cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
“Our adversaries are working around the clock to compromise our national security and leadership on the world stage,” Sen. Fischer said. “Those threats no longer come just from land or sea, but from beyond our stratosphere. This legislation protects our satellite infrastructure and keeps those who seek to do us harm from having a foot in our networks.”
If enacted, S. 1962 would prohibit 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.
Specifically, the bill would amend the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 to extend this prohibition to both geostationary and non-geostationary orbit satellite systems, and would include gateway stations within its scope.
The bill would apply to new licenses and authorizations issued after the bill’s enactment and would require the FCC to establish implementing regulations within one year, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Fischer’s staff.