GPS Resiliency Report Act
Summary
The GPS Resiliency Report Act mandates the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress on the risks to the Global Positioning System (GPS) and associated positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. The report must include descriptions of risks during potential conflicts, assessments of competitor capabilities to degrade or deny access to GPS, and evaluations of Department of Defense efforts to develop redundant capabilities. It also requires a framework for developing a terrestrial-based GPS redundancy system.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the vulnerabilities of the United States' reliance on GPS. It will also spur the development of alternative positioning and navigation technologies. Ultimately, this could enhance national security and reduce dependence on a single system.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security through identification of GPS vulnerabilities.
- Development of redundant positioning and navigation technologies.
- Improved resilience against potential attacks on GPS infrastructure.
- Increased awareness of competitor capabilities to disrupt GPS.
- Potential for technological advancements in positioning and timing systems.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased defense spending to develop redundant systems.
- The report's classified annex may limit public transparency.
- The 1-year deadline for the report may be challenging to meet.
- Focus on military applications may overshadow civilian uses of GPS.
- Possible delays in the R-GPS program achieving full capacity.
Constitutional Alignment
The act aligns with the constitutional mandate to "provide for the common defence" (Preamble). Congress's power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8) implies the authority to ensure the military's technological superiority and resilience. Requiring a report on GPS vulnerabilities falls under Congress's oversight role in national security matters.
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).