Senate Commerce Advances Bills Targeting Satellite Security
Measures include cybersecurity guidelines for commercial satellites and restrictions on foreign operators.
WASHINGTON, April 14, 2026 – The Senate Commerce committee advanced nine bills Tuesday without objection, moving forward legislation to secure U.S. satellite systems and safeguard social media for minors.
Committee Chairman Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, opened the executive session emphasizing cross-party cooperation. “This is an example where we can come together,” Cruz said, noting most committee members had co-sponsored at least one of the measures.
Lawmakers advanced three key tech bills as part of the package: the Secure Space Act, the Satellite Cybersecurity Act, and the Stop the Scroll Act.
The Secure Space Act, led by Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., would restrict the Federal Communications Commission from granting licenses to companies deemed national security risks.
The committee also moved forward the Satellite Cybersecurity Act, introduced by Sens. Gary Peters, D-Mich., and John Cornyn, R-Texas.
The bill directs the Commerce Department to develop voluntary cybersecurity guidelines and a broader strategy to protect commercial satellite systems.
Lawmakers also approved the Stop the Scroll Act, from Sens. Katie Britt, R-Ala., and John Fetterman, D-Pa. The bill requires social media platforms to display mental health warning labels for minors, including repeated alerts after extended use.
The measures, approved by voice vote with little discussion, now move to the full Senate for consideration.
The Senate Commerce committee will reconvene Wednesday for an oversight hearing on the Federal Trade Commission, where senators will question current FTC leadership, Chairman Andrew Ferguson and Commissioner Mark Meador, on the agency’s priorities, enforcement approach, and overall productivity.
