Bipartisan Legislation to Encourage Investment and Innovation in Satellite Communications

House Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) introduced two bills to promote competition, innovation, and American leadership in the thriving commercial satellite communications industry. The two bills represent the first major Congressional effort to modernize the Federal Communications Commission satellite licensing rules in decades. The bills clarify the agency’s authorities under the Communications Act, promote responsible use of space, protect national security, incentivize investment and innovation, and advance US leadership in next-generation satellite communications networks.