FCC must list license holders tied to China, Russia and other rivals
Passed one chamberS. 259Latest action
Sponsor: Deb Fischer · Senator · NE
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act
119th Congress
Topics: AI & technology
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
S 259 requires the FCC to publicly list licensed companies with ownership ties to countries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill requires the FCC to create and publish a public list of companies holding FCC licenses, such as broadcast or undersea cable licenses, that have ownership or control ties to certain foreign "covered countries." The list must go online within 120 days and be updated at least annually. Within 18 months, the FCC must also write rules to identify other FCC-authorized companies with similar foreign ties and add them to the list within a year of those rules.
Who does it affect?
Telecommunications, broadcasting, and cable companies operating under FCC licenses with foreign investors tied to specific foreign governments are affected. The public, lawmakers, and national security agencies gain access to the disclosure list.
Why does it matter?
The bill increases public transparency about foreign ties to U.S. communications companies but does not ban foreign ownership or revoke any licenses.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Engrossed in Senate” text of Oct 23, 2025.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 27, 2025
- Senate committee
- Senate vote
- HouseYou are here · Oct 24, 2025
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the Senate, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Held at the desk.