FCC would form permanent council on communications network security
Passed one chamberH.R. 1717Latest action
Sponsor: Robert Menendez · Representative · NJ
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Communications Security Act
119th Congress
Topics: AI & technology
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 1717 requires the FCC to create a council within 90 days to study and report on communications network security every two years.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill directs the FCC to establish, or designate an existing advisory committee as, a council focused on the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications networks. Within 90 days of enactment, the FCC Chair must set up the group and appoint members. The council would issue public reports every two years and, unlike most advisory committees, could continue operating indefinitely.
Who does it affect?
The FCC, telecommunications and tech companies, public interest groups, universities, and federal, state, local, and tribal governments would take part; entities controlled by a foreign adversary or deemed a national security threat are barred from membership.
Why does it matter?
Council recommendations could eventually shape how phone, internet, and other communication systems are regulated and secured, indirectly affecting everyday users of these services.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Referred in Senate” text of Jul 16, 2025.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 27, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Jul 16, 2025
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
House · · Roll call 196
As recorded
- Question
- On Motion to and Pass
- Result:
- Passed
- 380
- Nay
- 33
- 0
- 19
Republicans 175 yes, 32 no, 13 not voting · Democrats 205 yes, 1 no, 6 not voting
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record