H.R.2458 - Secure Space Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2458, the Secure Space Act of 2025, aims to amend the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. The amendment would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting licenses or market access for satellite systems or earth station authorizations to entities that produce or provide covered communications equipment or services, or their affiliates. This bill seeks to prevent potential security risks associated with foreign or compromised entities controlling critical satellite infrastructure.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would likely restrict certain companies, particularly those with ties to foreign adversaries, from participating in the US satellite communications market. This could lead to a more secure and reliable space-based communications infrastructure. The FCC would be required to issue rules to implement these prohibitions within one year of the Act's enactment.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced National Security: Reduces the risk of compromised communications infrastructure.
- Protection of Critical Infrastructure: Safeguards satellite systems from potential exploitation.
- Increased Trust: Promotes greater confidence in the security of US communications networks.
- Level Playing Field: Ensures fair competition by preventing entities with potential conflicts of interest from gaining undue market access.
- Incentivizes Secure Practices: Encourages companies to adopt more secure communications practices.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Reduced Competition: Limits the number of eligible companies, potentially increasing costs.
- Delayed Deployment: Could slow down the deployment of new satellite technologies and services.
- Increased Regulatory Burden: Requires the FCC to develop and enforce new regulations, adding to its workload.
- Possible Retaliation: May provoke retaliatory measures from other countries, impacting international cooperation in space.
- Unintended Consequences: The broad definition of "affiliate" could inadvertently impact legitimate companies.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional mandate to "provide for the common defence" (Preamble). Congress has the power to regulate interstate and foreign commerce (Article I, Section 8), which includes regulating satellite communications. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech or religion (Amendment I).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).