What changed between these versions
A substantive modification. v3 updates the short title from "Secure Space Act of 2025" to "Secure Space Act of 2026" and, more significantly, refines the criteria for prohibited entities in Section 2(b)(1) to specifically reference the FCC's "Covered List" rather than a general description of providing covered communications equipment or service. Additionally, v3 introduces a new subsection, Section 2(c), authorizing the FCC to report on supply chain security risks.
Overview
A handful of significant changes. · v3 refines the scope of the prohibition by linking it to an established list and expands the Commission's authority to assess supply chain risks.
The primary change in v3 is the clarification of the entities subject to the prohibition on satellite and earth station licenses or market access, shifting from a general description of providing "covered communications equipment or service" to specifically referencing entities on the FCC's "Covered List" under section 2(a) of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. This change is reflected in both the operative text of Section 2(b)(1) and the bill's long title. Furthermore, v3 adds a new subsection, Section 2(c), which grants the FCC discretionary authority to issue reports on supply chain security risks related to entities using equipment from those on the Covered List. The short title of the Act was also updated from 2025 to 2026.
Major additions
This new subsection, titled "Further Consideration for Secured Networks," authorizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue a report assessing supply chain security risks. These risks are specifically associated with licensees or entities granted market access for satellite systems or earth stations, or their affiliates, if they provide communications equipment designed, developed, manufactured, or assembled by an entity identified on the FCC's Covered List.
This addition provides the FCC with a new tool to proactively analyze and report on potential security vulnerabilities within the satellite and earth station supply chains, extending the scope of security considerations beyond just the direct control of licenses. It introduces a mechanism for ongoing risk assessment.
Modifications
This is a minor, administrative update to the bill's official name, reflecting the likely year of enactment or further legislative progress. It has no direct operative policy impact.
Before
The short title of the Act was "Secure Space Act of 2025".
After
The short title of the Act is "Secure Space Act of 2026".
This change clarifies and potentially narrows the scope of the prohibition. Instead of requiring an assessment of whether an entity "produces or provides any covered communications equipment or service" on a case-by-case basis, the FCC can now rely on its pre-existing, publicly available "Covered List" to determine which entities are prohibited from holding or controlling satellite and earth station licenses or market access. This provides greater certainty and streamlines enforcement for the FCC and affected entities.
Before
The prohibition applied to entities that "produces or provides any covered communications equipment or service".
After
The prohibition applies to "an entity identified on the list published by the Commission under section 2(a)".
This modification ensures consistency between the bill's summary title and its operative provisions, reflecting the clarified scope of the prohibition. It does not introduce new policy but accurately reflects the change made in Section 2(b)(1).
Before
The bill's long title described the prohibition applying to entities that "produces or provides any covered communications equipment or service or an affiliate of such an entity".
After
The bill's long title describes the prohibition applying to "an entity identified on the Covered List or an affiliate of such an entity".
Scope
Meaningful expansion or narrowing — Changes are concentrated in the short title, the core prohibition criteria, and the addition of a new subsection. — v3 refines the implementation of the existing policy direction by linking the prohibition to an established list and expands the Commission's authority to assess supply chain risks, indicating a slight broadening of oversight. — The modification to Section 2(b)(1) directly interacts with the existing framework of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 by referencing the "Covered List" established under its Section 2(a), thereby integrating this new prohibition more tightly with existing supply chain security measures. The new Section 2(c) also builds upon the concept of the "Covered List" for risk assessment.
Impact analysis
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Gains new authority and clarity in enforcement.
The FCC's process for identifying prohibited entities is streamlined by referencing an existing "Covered List," and it gains new discretionary authority to issue reports on supply chain security risks.
Entities seeking satellite system or earth station licenses/market access
Experiences increased clarity regarding eligibility, with a potential narrowing of the scope of prohibited entities to those specifically listed.
The criteria for determining if an entity is prohibited from receiving a license or market access are now explicitly tied to being identified on the FCC's "Covered List."
Entities on the FCC's "Covered List"
Faces reinforced prohibitions and increased scrutiny.
These entities are now explicitly and directly prohibited from holding or controlling satellite and earth station licenses or market access. Additionally, their equipment may be subject to FCC reports on supply chain security risks even if they are not the direct licensee.