Communications Security Act
Summary
H.R. 1717, the Communications Security Act, directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a council or designate an existing advisory committee to make recommendations on enhancing the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications networks. The council's membership will include representatives from the communications industry, public interest organizations, academic institutions, and federal, state, local, and tribal governments. The council will submit reports to the FCC every two years, which will be made publicly available.
Expected Effects
The Act aims to improve the security and resilience of communication networks by creating a dedicated advisory body. This body will provide expert recommendations to the FCC. The establishment of this council could lead to more secure and reliable communication infrastructure.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced security of communication networks.
- Improved reliability of communication services.
- Increased interoperability between different networks.
- Informed decision-making by the FCC through expert advice.
- Publicly available reports promoting transparency.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for industry influence on the council's recommendations.
- The definition of "not trusted" entities could be subject to political interpretation.
- The council's recommendations are not binding, so their impact depends on the FCC's implementation.
- Possible delays in implementation due to the 90-day establishment period.
- Costs associated with establishing and maintaining the council.
Constitutional Alignment
The Communications Security Act appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. Communications networks fall under this purview. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).