Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025

Bill Number: H.R. 1765
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Science, Technology, Communications
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Last Updated: 2026-07-10T19:53:23Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the United States' role and influence in international organizations that develop technical standards for 5G wireless networks (fifth-generation mobile networks) and future generations of wireless technology. It focuses on encouraging trusted U.S. companies and other participants to join these standards-setting processes while excluding entities seen as national security risks.

Key Provisions

Directive to the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information: This official, who leads the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), must work with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of State to:
Promote fair participation by U.S. companies and diverse stakeholders (such as industry groups or experts) in standards-setting bodies, but only if those bodies allow it.
Provide technical expertise to help these participants engage effectively.
Exclude any company or stakeholder deemed "not trusted" due to potential threats to U.S. national security.
Covered Standards-Setting Bodies: Includes major international and U.S.-accredited groups, such as:
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Groups like the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), which create protocols for wireless devices.
Any body approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS).
Congressional Briefing: Within 60 days of the bill's enactment, the Assistant Secretary must brief key House and Senate committees (Energy and Commerce, Foreign Affairs, Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Foreign Relations) on a strategy to implement these actions.
Definitions:
5G Network: A mobile network based on 3GPP Release 15 or later standards.
Communications Network: Broadly covers systems for transmitting user-chosen information, cloud computing (remote data storage and processing, as defined by NIST), and access to such resources.
Not Trusted: A company or stakeholder posing a national security threat, determined solely by existing government assessments, such as those from the Federal Acquisition Security Council, Department of Commerce reviews under Executive Order 13873 (on securing tech supply chains), or bans on certain telecom equipment under the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new requirements for the NTIA to actively promote U.S. participation in global standards bodies, which were not previously mandated by law. It builds on existing national security tools (like equipment bans) by explicitly applying them to standards-setting processes but does not amend prior laws directly—instead, it directs future actions and strategy development.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Increases responsibilities for the Department of Commerce (NTIA and NIST), Department of State, and interagency security bodies, requiring coordination and a formal strategy. This could lead to more resources allocated to tech diplomacy and standards oversight.
Citizens and Businesses: U.S. telecom companies and innovators may gain better access to global standards, potentially boosting competitiveness in 5G and beyond (e.g., faster innovation in wireless tech). Everyday users could benefit indirectly from more secure and U.S.-influenced networks, though it might limit options if foreign tech is restricted.
International Relations: Enhances U.S. leadership in global tech standards, potentially countering influence from other nations (e.g., by excluding risky foreign firms). This could strain relations with countries whose companies are deemed untrusted but strengthen alliances with like-minded partners.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. Government Agencies: NTIA, NIST, Department of State, and congressional committees overseeing commerce, energy, and foreign affairs.
U.S. Businesses and Industry Groups: Telecom companies, tech firms, and stakeholders involved in wireless development, who gain support for participation but face exclusion if deemed untrusted.
International Standards Bodies: Groups like 3GPP, IEEE, ISO, ANSI, and ATIS, which may see increased U.S. involvement.
Foreign Entities: Companies or stakeholders from other countries, particularly those involved in 5G (e.g., producers of restricted telecom equipment), who could be barred from U.S.-supported participation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Relies on established executive branch authorities for national security determinations, ensuring decisions are based on prior assessments to avoid new litigation risks. It promotes equity in participation without mandating it, respecting the voluntary nature of standards bodies.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers over commerce and foreign affairs (Article I, Section 8), directing executive agencies without infringing on separation of powers.
Political: Signals a focus on U.S. tech supremacy and security in emerging technologies, potentially fueling debates on protectionism versus global collaboration. It could influence bipartisan support for countering foreign tech threats but raise concerns about excluding international partners.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9]

Recent Actions

2025-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
2025-07-14: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-07-14: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3220)
2025-07-14: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
2025-07-14: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1765.
2025-07-14: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3220-3221)
2025-07-14: Mr. Latta moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2025-07-10: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 160.
2025-07-10: Committee on Foreign Affairs discharged.
2025-07-10: Committee on Foreign Affairs discharged.
2025-07-10: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-196, Part I.
2025-07-10: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-196, Part I.
2025-03-04: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
2025-03-04: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-03-03: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Bill Versions

Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-14 — PDF (8 pages)
Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-03 — PDF (5 pages)
Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-15 — PDF (6 pages)
Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-10 — PDF (8 pages)