Senator Fisher says FACT Act will increase transparency of foreign-linked communications equipment

Senator Fisher told the Senate Commerce Committee that the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act (S.259) would require the Federal Communications Commission to disclose foreign ownership details for communications licenses and equipment authorized for use in the United States.

"The FACT Act would provide essential transparency for communication services that are licensed or authorized for use within The United States," Senator Fisher said during the markup. She argued that equipment authorizations can include network gear that supports critical infrastructure in energy, agriculture, health and transportation sectors, and that no current federal law requires disclosure of companies linked to foreign adversaries operating in U.S. telecom and technology markets.

Fisher said the bill directs the FCC to assess ownership details of communications licenses and authorizations and argued that the measure would help identify supply-chain risks and hold bad actors accountable. She said the bill had bipartisan support in committee and urged swift floor consideration.

Senator Fisher thanked colleagues who joined the effort and said, "Protecting our networks requires us to understand the threats and hold bad actors accountable." The bill was included in the en bloc package the committee ordered to be reported favorably to the Senate.