Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy Rodgers (R-WA) and Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) issued the following statement today on forward-looking, bipartisan legislation seeking to promote competition, innovation, security, and American leadership in the thriving commercial satellite communications industry:

“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. Satellites can connect people in hard-to-reach areas with high-speed internet service, provide more competitive choice in the market, and boost everyday services in the transportation and emergency communications sectors. 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. 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.”

Background: Both pieces of legislation were first introduced in the 117th Congress. The Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act, led by Rodgers, is the first major effort to modernize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) satellite licensing rules in decades. It clarifies 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. The Secure Space Act, led by Pallone and introduced in January, prohibits 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.

The Subcommittee on Communications and Technology has held two bipartisan hearings to examine the state of the satellite communications marketplace and how to unleash innovation in satellite communications technologies while ensuring these networks remain secure. On Thursday, February 2, 2023, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled “Launching Into the State of the Satellite Marketplace.” On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, the Subcommittee held a legislative hearing titled “Liftoff: Unleashing Satellite Communications Technologies” including the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act and Secure Space Act.

CLICK HERE to read the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act.

CLICK HERE to read a one-pager on the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act.

CLICK HERE to read a section by section analysis of the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act.

CLICK HERE to read the Secure Space Act.