Bill orders federal satellite cyber study, public guidance hub, and strategy
Officially: Satellite Cybersecurity Act of 2025
The bill would make the government study satellite cyber risks and create a public website with security guidance for satellite companies. It also requires a federal plan that spells out agency roles. It does not create new industry-wide cybersecurity mandates.
Where it stands
Commerce · Hearing Tue, Apr 14
In 3 days. Members are taking positions right now.
- The Government Accountability Office, or GAO, would study how the federal government helps protect commercial satellites from cyber threats. That study must also look at how those satellites connect to critical infrastructure.
- GAO would have to send a report to the named congressional committees within 2 years after the bill becomes law. The report may also suggest more federal action.
- The Department of Commerce would have to build and maintain a public online satellite cybersecurity clearinghouse within 180 days. It must do that work with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Federal Communications Commission.
↓ 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
- Puts satellite cybersecurity guidance in one public place. That could make it easier for companies to find and use best practices.
- Gives small satellite companies practical help they may not have the money or staff to build on their own.
- Gives Congress an organized outside review of what federal agencies are doing well and where gaps or overlap may exist.
- Does not require companies to meet any specific cybersecurity standards. Some people may see that as too weak to meaningfully cut cyber risk.
- Adds more reports, coordination work, and planning duties for federal agencies. That could take time and money without clearly improving security.
- May repeat guidance that already exists in other cybersecurity or space programs. That could make the new clearinghouse less useful than it sounds.
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. (12/9/2025)
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