Communications Security Act

Bill Number

H.R. 1717

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2025-07-16: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T19:53:21Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Communications Security Act (H.R. 1717) aims to enhance the security, reliability, and interoperability of U.S. communications networks by directing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create or designate an advisory council. This council will provide recommendations to the FCC on protecting these networks from threats, ensuring they work seamlessly together, and maintaining dependable service.

Key Provisions

• Establishment of the Council: Within 90 days of the bill's enactment, the FCC Chair must either create a new council or select an existing FCC advisory committee focused on network security, reliability, and interoperability. If needed, the committee's membership must be adjusted to meet the bill's requirements.
• Membership:
• Appointed by the FCC Chair.
• Includes representatives from the communications industry, public interest organizations, academic institutions, and federal, state, local, and Tribal governments (with at least one from each government type).
• Excludes entities deemed "not trusted" by the Chair, meaning those owned, controlled, or influenced by foreign adversaries (like certain governments posing national security risks) or otherwise seen as threats.
• All members must have relevant expertise in network security and related areas.
• Terms last 2 years, with vacancy appointments covering the remaining time; members can continue serving until a replacement is appointed.
• Reporting Requirements: The council must submit reports every 2 years to the FCC Chair, including recommendations on improving network security, reliability, and interoperability. These reports, along with any from council working groups, must be posted publicly on the FCC's website.
• Duration and Exemptions: The council is exempt from automatic termination rules under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (a law that limits how long such groups can operate), allowing it to continue indefinitely.
• Definitions: Key terms include "Chair" (FCC Chair), "Commission" (FCC), "not trusted" (based on national security criteria from the 2019 Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, such as risks from foreign entities), and "State" (as defined in the Communications Act of 1934).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a dedicated, ongoing advisory body for communications network issues, which may build on or replace existing FCC committees without specifying prior ones.
• Exempts the council from the standard 2-year termination under federal advisory committee rules, making it a permanent fixture unless Congress acts otherwise.
• References and incorporates criteria from the 2019 Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act for identifying "not trusted" entities, standardizing threat assessments without creating new criteria.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The FCC will gain structured advice to inform policies, potentially leading to stronger regulations on network security. Other federal agencies may collaborate through council input, while state, local, and Tribal governments could see improved coordination on infrastructure.
• On Citizens: Could result in more secure and reliable communication services, reducing risks from cyberattacks or disruptions, though indirect benefits depend on FCC actions following recommendations.
• On International Relations: By excluding "not trusted" foreign-influenced entities, it may strain ties with countries seen as adversaries (e.g., those involved in espionage or supply chain risks), signaling U.S. priorities on tech security amid global tensions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• FCC and Government Entities: Primary implementer (FCC) and participants (federal, state, local, Tribal governments).
• Communications Industry: Companies providing telecom services, who can advise but face exclusion if deemed risky.
• Public Interest and Academic Groups: Organizations and institutions focused on consumer rights, privacy, or research, offering diverse perspectives.
• U.S. Citizens and Users: Indirectly affected through enhanced network protections.
• Foreign Entities: Companies or governments labeled "not trusted" could be barred from input, impacting their U.S. market access.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens FCC authority in advisory roles without mandating specific actions, relying on voluntary recommendations; uses existing national security frameworks to avoid new litigation risks.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's commerce clause powers over interstate communications; no direct free speech issues, but exclusions based on foreign influence could raise due process questions if challenged in court.
• Political: Highlights bipartisan concerns over foreign threats in tech (e.g., from China or Russia), potentially influencing future funding or regulations; the Chair's discretion in "not trusted" determinations may invite partisan debates on bias or overreach.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13]

Recent Actions

• 2025-07-16: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• 2025-07-15: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2025-07-15: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 380 - 33 (Roll no. 196). (text: 7/14/2025 CR 3218-3219) (Roll call 196)
• 2025-07-15: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 380 - 33 (Roll no. 196). (Roll call 196)
• 2025-07-15: Considered as unfinished business.
• 2025-07-14: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
• 2025-07-14: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1717.
• 2025-07-14: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3218-3220)
• 2025-07-14: Mr. Latta moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
• 2025-07-10: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 158.
• 2025-07-10: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-194.
• 2025-07-10: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-194.
• 2025-04-08: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 50 - 1.
• 2025-04-08: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-02-27: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Versions

• Communications Security Act — issued 2025-07-15 — PDF (8 pages)
• Communications Security Act — issued 2025-02-27 — PDF (5 pages)
• Communications Security Act — issued 2025-07-16 — PDF (6 pages)
• Communications Security Act — issued 2025-07-10 — PDF (8 pages)