US
Us Congress House Bill HB906

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB906

Introduced
1/31/25  
Refer
1/31/25  

Caption

Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act

Impact

The enactment of HB 906 could significantly influence the regulatory landscape governing telecommunications firms in the United States. By requiring the FCC to create and regularly update a list of entities with foreign ownership within a defined timeframe, the bill enhances surveillance and accountability measures that can lead to stricter regulations regarding foreign investments in telecommunications. This legislative move is seen as an essential step in protecting U.S. communications from potential foreign adversaries, aligning with broader national security goals.

Summary

House Bill 906, known as the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act, mandates that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) publish a comprehensive list of entities holding authorizations, licenses, or other grants of authority from the Commission that possess certain foreign ownership. This oversight is intended to enhance transparency regarding foreign involvement in U.S. communications infrastructure, particularly those entities that may present a national security concern. The bill aims to provide clearer insights into the control exerted by foreign entities over critical communication services and infrastructure, thereby bolstering national security protections.

Contention

Despite the supportive stance for national security, the bill raises concerns regarding potential overreach and the implications for international trade and investment. Critics may argue that stringent regulations on foreign ownership could deter beneficial foreign investments and innovation within the telecommunications sector. There are also fears that this increased scrutiny might create barriers for foreign firms wishing to operate in the U.S., which could complicate relations with certain countries and impact the competitive landscape for U.S. companies.

Congress_id

119-HR-906

Policy_area

Science, Technology, Communications

Introduced_date

2025-01-31

Latest HB906 Activity

Companion Bills

US SB259

Related Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency ActThis bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to annually publish a list of entities that hold a license or other authorization granted by the FCC and have ties to specified foreign countries.With respect to entities holding cable landing licenses (for the placement and operation of submarine communications cables) or other licenses granted via competitive auction, the FCC must publish a list of all such entities (1) in which a covered entity holds a specified voting or equity interest, or (2) that have been determined by a national security agency to be subject to the control of a covered entity. With respect to entities holding all other categories of FCC licenses or other authorizations, the FCC must first issue rules facilitating the collection of information on such licensees’ ownership structure. After that information is obtained, the FCC must add to the published list any such entity in which a covered entity holds a specified voting or equity interest. Under the bill, a covered entity is defined as an entity organized in China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia; a subsidiary of such an entity; or the government of China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia.

Previously Filed As

US SB259

Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency ActThis bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to annually publish a list of entities that hold a license or other authorization granted by the FCC and have ties to specified foreign countries.With respect to entities holding cable landing licenses (for the placement and operation of submarine communications cables) or other licenses granted via competitive auction, the FCC must publish a list of all such entities (1) in which a covered entity holds a specified voting or equity interest, or (2) that have been determined by a national security agency to be subject to the control of a covered entity. With respect to entities holding all other categories of FCC licenses or other authorizations, the FCC must first issue rules facilitating the collection of information on such licensees’ ownership structure. After that information is obtained, the FCC must add to the published list any such entity in which a covered entity holds a specified voting or equity interest. Under the bill, a covered entity is defined as an entity organized in China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia; a subsidiary of such an entity; or the government of China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia.

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