Communications Security Act

The Communications Security Act would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a Council on Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability within 90 days of enactment (or designate an existing advisory body to address these issues). The Council would advise the FCC on how to improve the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications networks. Its membership would be appointed by the FCC Chair and should include a mix of industry representatives (excluding entities deemed “not trusted” by the Chair), public interest groups or academic institutions (also excluding “not trusted” entities), and representatives from federal, state, local, and tribal governments. Members would typically serve two-year terms. The Council would produce biennial reports, publicizing its findings and recommendations on network security and related topics on the FCC website. Importantly, the act allows the Chair to determine which entities are “not trusted,” using criteria drawn from a prior law (the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019). The Council is designed to operate without a sunset clause, meaning it would continue unless Congress takes further action.