FUTURE Networks Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2449
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-29: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-11T03:08:26Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The FUTURE Networks Act (H.R. 2449) aims to promote the development and secure adoption of sixth-generation (6G) wireless technology in the United States. It directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the agency that regulates communications, to create a dedicated task force to study 6G standards, potential uses, limitations, and ways to collaborate across government levels for its deployment.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of the 6G Task Force: The FCC must form the task force within 120 days of the bill's enactment. The task force is led by appointments from the FCC Chair.
- Membership Composition:
- Includes representatives from the communications industry, public interest organizations, and academic institutions, but excludes those deemed "not trusted" (entities owned, controlled, or influenced by foreign adversaries or posing national security risks).
- Requires at least one representative from federal, state, local, and Tribal governments.
- Report Requirements:
- The task force must produce a report on 6G technology within one year of its establishment, covering:
- Progress by industry-led groups on setting 6G standards.
- Potential applications of 6G identified by these groups.
- Limitations, such as supply chain issues or cybersecurity risks.
- Recommendations for federal, state, local, and Tribal governments to support 6G siting (placement of infrastructure), deployment, and adoption.
- A draft report must be released for public comment 180 days after the task force's formation, with comments incorporated into the final version.
- The final report will be published in the Federal Register (the official U.S. government journal), on the FCC website, and submitted to relevant congressional committees (House Energy and Commerce; Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation).
- Definitions:
- "Not trusted" entities are defined using criteria from the 2019 Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, focusing on foreign influence or national security threats.
- Other terms include standard definitions for "State" (from the Communications Act of 1934) and clarifications for the FCC Chair and task force.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new entity—the 6G Task Force—without directly amending prior laws. It builds on the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 by incorporating its criteria for identifying untrusted entities, extending national security safeguards from 5G to emerging 6G technology. No existing FCC programs are altered, but it adds a structured, time-bound process for assessing next-generation wireless tech.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The FCC gains new responsibilities for task force management, reporting, and coordination, potentially increasing workload and requiring resources for public outreach. Other federal agencies, states, localities, and Tribes may need to collaborate on 6G infrastructure, affecting planning for broadband expansion.
- On Citizens: Could accelerate access to advanced wireless services (e.g., faster internet, innovative applications in healthcare or transportation), but benefits depend on successful deployment. Public input via comments ensures broader consideration of equity and accessibility.
- On International Relations: By excluding "not trusted" foreign-influenced entities, the bill reinforces U.S. efforts to secure supply chains against adversaries (e.g., China), potentially straining ties with those nations while strengthening alliances with trusted partners in standards-setting.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Communications Industry: Companies involved in wireless tech, who provide input but face exclusion if deemed untrusted, impacting their role in U.S. 6G development.
- Public Interest Organizations and Academia: Contribute expertise on societal benefits and risks, promoting inclusive tech adoption.
- Government Entities: FCC leads implementation; federal, state, local, and Tribal governments participate in membership and may influence deployment policies.
- Industry Standards Bodies: Their work on 6G is central to the report, guiding future regulations.
- General Public: Indirectly affected through improved technology access and national security measures.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes a clear framework for FCC oversight of emerging tech, using existing national security criteria to justify exclusions, which could set precedents for future communications laws. Public comment requirements align with administrative law principles for transparency.
- Constitutional: Supports First Amendment values by allowing public input, while national security provisions (e.g., excluding untrusted entities) balance free enterprise with government authority under the Commerce Clause (which empowers Congress to regulate interstate commerce like wireless networks).
- Political: Promotes U.S. technological leadership amid global competition, potentially bipartisan in focus on innovation and security, but the "not trusted" determinations by the FCC Chair could invite scrutiny over executive discretion in identifying threats.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Allen, Rick W. [R-GA-12], Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-29: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-04-28: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-04-28: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1663-1664)
- 2025-04-28: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1663-1664)
- 2025-04-28: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2449.
- 2025-04-28: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1663-1665)
- 2025-04-28: Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-04-24: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 51.
- 2025-04-24: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-74.
- 2025-04-24: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-74.
- 2025-04-08: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 2025-04-08: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-03-27: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-03-27: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-27: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced Networks Act — issued 2025-04-28 — PDF (6 pages)
- Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced Networks Act — issued 2025-03-27 — PDF (5 pages)
- Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced Networks Act — issued 2025-04-29 — PDF (5 pages)
- Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced Networks Act — issued 2025-04-24 — PDF (8 pages)