Us Congress House Bill HB10108

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/8/24
• Refer: 11/8/24

Caption

STARS Act of 2024 Space Technology and Regional Security Act of 2024

Impact

The legislation is poised to strengthen the defense strategies of allied countries in the Middle East by creating a multilateral data-sharing agreement focused on space security. This initiative is expected to provide crucial insights and collaborative measures that could enhance situational awareness against potential threats in and from space. By establishing a comprehensive strategy within 60 days of the bill's enactment, the Department of Defense will be charged with evaluating current capabilities, identifying gaps, and recommending improvements to bolster space security in the region.

Summary

House Bill 10108, also known as the STARS Act of 2024, aims to enhance security cooperation in space among the United States and its allies in the Middle East. This bill mandates the Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Secretary of State, to establish an integrated space and satellite security capability that builds upon the framework provided by the Abraham Accords, facilitating data sharing and coordinated efforts against threats to space systems. It emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to protect allies from adversarial actions targeting their space capabilities.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits of the STARS Act, there may be contention surrounding issues of sovereignty and the sharing of sensitive information among nations. Critics may argue that increased military collaboration could exacerbate tensions in the region or lead to an arms race in space capabilities. The challenge will be in balancing collective security requirements with the protection of sensitive national defense data, as the bill also mandates that sensitive information be shielded from potential breaches while facilitating robust dialogue and operational coordination among partner countries.