Bill · H.R. 1717· House(119-HR-1717)
Communications Security Act
- Introduced
- 2/27/2025
- Last activity
- 7/16/2025 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Robert Menendez
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Communications Security Act," directs the Federal Communications Commission to create a council or designate an existing advisory committee. The purpose of this group is to provide advice on increasing the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications networks. The council members are appointed by the Chair and include representatives from the communications industry, public interest or academic groups, and various levels of government. Members are required to have relevant knowledge and experience for their roles. Every two years, the council must submit reports containing their recommendations to the Chair. These reports must also be made available to the public on the Commission's website.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill mandates that council reports be made available to the public on the Commission's website.
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+5
The bill focuses on enhancing the security and reliability of communications networks.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill grants the FCC Chair significant authority to determine which entities are 'not trusted'.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
- The House: a fast-track vote, needing two-thirds to passPassed 380–33
The House sets aside its normal procedure to move quickly: no amendments, little debate, and a two-thirds bar instead of a simple majority. It is used for measures expected to be uncontroversial, so a bill that fails here failed despite broad expectations that it would not.
07/15/2025 · Roll call 196 · recorded as “On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency: The Commission is required to make all reports submitted by the council available to the public on its website (Section 2(c)(2)). This ensures people can see the recommendations being made regarding their communications networks.
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Diverse Representation: The council is designed to include representatives from the communications industry, public interest organizations, academic institutions, and various levels of government including Federal, State, local, and Tribal (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Expert Guidance: The bill mandates that every member of the council must have relevant knowledge and experience to help address issues of security, reliability, and interoperability of communications networks (Section 2(b)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Exclusionary Power: The Chair has the authority to determine that certain companies or public interest/academic institutions are "not trusted," which prevents them from serving on the council (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Potential Security Risks in Membership: The Chair can label an entity as "not trusted" if they are owned by or controlled by a foreign adversary, or if the Chair determines they pose a threat to national security (Section 2(e)(4)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5Increases Federal Power+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+5
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+3
- 7/16/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 7/15/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 380 - 33 (Roll no. 196).
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 380 - 33 (Roll no. 196). (text: 7/14/2025 CR 3218-3219)
- Considered as unfinished business.
- 7/14/2025
- At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1717.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3218-3220)
- Mr. Latta moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 7/10/2025
- Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-194.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 158.
- 4/8/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 50 - 1.
- 4/1/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/27/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House
John JoyceRepublican · Pennsylvania