Secure Space Act of 2025

Bill Number: H.R. 2458
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: 2026-07-11T02:58:21Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Secure Space Act of 2025 aims to protect U.S. communications networks by restricting satellite-related licenses and market access. It amends the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 to prevent entities involved in producing or providing "covered communications equipment or services" (typically equipment or services deemed a security risk, such as those from certain foreign adversaries like China-based companies) from obtaining Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approvals for satellite systems or earth stations. This enhances national security in space-based communications.

Key Provisions

Prohibition on Licenses and Access: The FCC cannot grant:
Licenses or market access petitions for geostationary orbit satellite systems (satellites that remain fixed over one spot on Earth) or nongeostationary orbit satellite systems (satellites that move relative to Earth, like low-Earth orbit constellations).
Authorizations for individually licensed earth stations (specific ground stations that communicate with satellites) or blanket-licensed earth stations (groups of ground stations licensed collectively with satellite systems).
These restrictions apply if the license, access, or authorization would be held or controlled by:
An entity that produces or provides covered communications equipment or services.
An affiliate (a related company under common control) of such an entity.
Definitions Provided:
Blanket-licensed earth station: A ground station licensed as part of a satellite system.
Gateway station: A ground station or group of stations that routes signals for satellites, handles tracking and control, but does not handle end-user traffic and is not exclusive to one customer.
Individually licensed earth station: A specific ground station (not blanket-licensed) that sends/receives signals to/from satellites, or a gateway station.
Applicability: The rules take effect for any new grants of licenses, petitions, or authorizations after the Act's enactment date.
Implementation: The FCC must issue implementing rules within one year of enactment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The Act inserts a new Section 10 into the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019, which previously focused on removing insecure equipment from U.S. communications networks and providing funding for "rip and replace" efforts.
It extends restrictions beyond ground-based networks to space-based systems, redesignating existing sections (10 and 11 become 11 and 12) to accommodate the new prohibition.
This is the first explicit ban on satellite licensing tied to covered equipment providers, broadening the 2019 Act's scope from equipment removal to preventive licensing controls.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The FCC will face new administrative burdens, including reviewing ownership and affiliations for satellite applications, potentially delaying approvals and requiring updated rulemaking.
On Citizens: U.S. consumers and businesses relying on satellite services (e.g., internet, broadcasting, or GPS) may see reduced options if certain providers are excluded, possibly affecting rural broadband access or service costs, though alternatives from trusted providers could mitigate this.
On International Relations: Foreign satellite operators (especially from countries associated with covered equipment, like China) may be barred from the U.S. market, straining trade ties and prompting retaliatory measures in global telecom standards or spectrum allocation.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Primary enforcer, responsible for licensing and rulemaking.
Satellite Operators and Earth Station Owners: U.S. and foreign companies seeking FCC approvals, including major players in geostationary (e.g., for TV broadcasting) and nongeostationary (e.g., Starlink-like constellations) systems.
Producers of Covered Equipment/Services: Entities like Huawei or ZTE and their affiliates, who will be ineligible for control of U.S. satellite assets.
U.S. Telecom Consumers and Businesses: End-users of satellite-dependent services, potentially facing service disruptions or higher costs.
National Security Agencies: Beneficiaries through reduced risks from potentially insecure foreign-controlled satellite infrastructure.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces national security-based restrictions on communications infrastructure, aligning with executive orders on supply chain security; may lead to litigation over "control" definitions or due process in FCC denials.
Constitutional: Could raise commerce clause or free speech concerns if restrictions limit interstate/international trade or information flow, but likely upheld under Congress's authority over foreign affairs and national security (similar to prior FCC bans on untrusted equipment).
Political: Builds on bipartisan efforts to counter foreign tech influence in critical infrastructure, potentially influencing future U.S. space policy and international telecom treaties, while highlighting tensions in the growing commercial space sector.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Guthrie, Brett [R-KY-2]

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 H1652)
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 H1652)
2025-04-28: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2458.
2025-04-28: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1652-1653)
2025-04-28: Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
2025-04-24: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 42.
2025-04-24: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-65.
2025-04-24: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-65.
2025-04-08: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 52 - 1.
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

Secure Space Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-28 — PDF (6 pages)
Secure Space Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-27 — PDF (4 pages)
Secure Space Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-29 — PDF (4 pages)
Secure Space Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-24 — PDF (6 pages)