Communications and Technology Transparency Act of 2026

This bill expands the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 to cover 'information and communications technology or services' instead of just 'communications equipment or services', and streamlines related processes.

Sec. 2, Information and communications technology or services: The bill replaces the term 'communications equipment or service' with 'information and communications technology or service' throughout the Act (except in section 4), and defines the new term by reference to a specific Code of Federal Regulations section. It also makes conforming amendments to other laws.

Sec. 3, Reliance on certain determinations: The bill revises the list of determinations that can trigger inclusion on the covered list, removing two old paragraphs and adding a new one based on a Commerce Department determination or a specific defense authorization act requirement. It also clarifies that existing items on the list are not affected.

Sec. 4, Updating of list: The bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to update the covered list at least every six months, and establishes a process for removing technology or services from the list if the underlying determination is reversed, subject to notice, comment, and a national security review.

Sec. 5, Matters related to additions to and removal from list: The bill prohibits the FCC from adding technology or services to the list unless they are produced by an entity controlled by a foreign adversary, requires a report to Congress before any addition, and deems certain class-based placements or removals as major rules under the Congressional Review Act.

Sec. 6, Transmission of notices of risk: If the FCC receives a written notification about a technology or service posing an unacceptable risk, it must transmit that notification to the Secretary of Commerce within 60 days for review.

Sec. 7, Consultation and coordination: The bill requires the FCC and the Secretary of Commerce to meet at least every 90 days to consult on the list, allows national security agencies to attend, and requires an annual report to Congress on the meetings.

Sec. 8, Certain authorizations, licenses, and other grants of authority prohibited: The bill prohibits any entity that produces or provides covered technology or services, or its affiliates, from obtaining, holding, or controlling any FCC authorization, license, or grant of authority, except for certain equipment authorizations.

Sec. 9, Equipment authorizations: The bill clarifies that the FCC is not required to review or revoke equipment authorizations granted before the relevant equipment was placed on the covered list.