Bill blocks some satellite firms from getting new U.S. licenses
Officially: Secure Space Act of 2025
Some satellite and earth-station companies could lose access to new FCC licenses and U.S. market access. The ban reaches certain related companies too, including some with as little as a 10% ownership stake. The FCC would have one year to write the rules.
Where it stands
Commerce · Hearing Tue, Apr 14
In 4 days. Members are taking positions right now.
- This bill adds a new section to the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. That section would ban certain satellite licenses, U.S. market access, and earth-station approvals.
- The FCC could not approve geostationary or nongeostationary satellite systems for a company that holds or controls the approval if that company makes or provides covered communications equipment or services.
- The same ban would apply to individually licensed earth stations and blanket-licensed earth stations. In plain terms, some ground stations could not get FCC approval either.
↓ Why your message matters here
Members are still deciding how to vote — and what they hear from constituents in these final days is what tips undecided ones.
The debate
What people are saying about this bill
- Could lower security and spying risks by keeping some companies tied to covered equipment or services from controlling satellite systems used in the United States.
- Matches satellite policy with the 2019 law's wider push to keep risky communications equipment out of U.S. networks. That creates a more consistent security rule across different systems.
- Could block easy workarounds through related companies. The affiliate rule and 10% ownership rule make it harder for restricted firms to reach U.S.-facing satellite assets through side channels.
- Could shrink competition in U.S. satellite services if some providers are kept out. That could mean fewer choices for consumers and businesses.
- Could sweep in companies with weak or indirect ties. The affiliate rule is broad, and the 10% ownership cutoff may block firms that do not clearly pose a risk themselves.
- Could create uncertainty while the FCC writes the details. That may slow investment and delay new satellite projects.
Where this bill is in the process
Legislative timeline
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
Senate Committee
Under Senate committee consideration
Latest: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (6/5/2025)
Senate Floor Vote
Voted on by Senate
Passed Senate
Approved by Senate
House Review
Sent to House for consideration
Passed Both Chambers
Approved by both House and Senate
Signed into Law
Signed by the President
For more detail