McMorris Rodgers’ bipartisan bills seek to bolster U.S. competition in satellite industry

Two bipartisan bills introduced recently by U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) aim to promote competition, innovation, security, and American leadership in the commercial satellite communications industry.

The congresswoman on March 3 sponsored the Satellite And Telecommunications Streamlining Act, also known as the SAT Streamlining Act, H.R. 1338, alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ). If enacted, the bill would amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) with authority for certain licenses.

Specifically, H.R. 1338 would clarify FCC authorities under the Communications Act with the goal of promoting responsible use of space, incentivizing investment and innovation, and advancing U.S. leadership in next-generation satellite communications networks, according to bill summaries provided by the lawmakers. 

“America must keep pace with the rapidly evolving satellite communications industry and ensure the United States is leading the way in next-generation satellite technologies,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers, chair of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee, and Rep. Pallone, the E&C Committee’s ranking member, in a joint statement released on March 6. 

The two lawmakers on Jan. 31 also introduced the Secure Space Act of 2023, H.R. 675, which would prohibit the FCC from issuing satellite licenses or other related authorizations to untrusted actors, based on the framework adopted in the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, according to their joint statement.

“Together the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act and the Secure Space Act will unleash American innovation, streamline our regulatory processes, preserve U.S. technological leadership, and protect our networks from untrusted actors,” Rep. McMorris Rodgers and Rep. Pallone said. 

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology last month held two bipartisan hearings to examine the state of the satellite communications marketplace, according to the congresswoman’s staff. Both bills are under consideration in the E&C Committee. 

“We look forward to working with our colleagues in the House and Senate to help connect millions of Americans to faster internet and critical emergency services, improve lives, and grow the economy,” the lawmakers said.