Communications Security Act

The Communications Security Act would establish a permanent council within the Federal Communications Commission to advise on protecting America's communications networks. Currently, the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) operates on a temporary basis; this bill would make it permanent and give it statutory authority. The council would focus on improving network security, reliability, and interoperability—essentially ensuring that phone, internet, and broadcast systems work well together and can withstand cyberattacks and natural disasters.

The council would bring together diverse stakeholders to address these issues. Membership would include representatives from telecommunications companies (though those deemed security threats would be excluded), public interest organizations, academic institutions, and federal, state, tribal, and local government officials. This mix of industry experts, academics, and government representatives would collaborate on identifying vulnerabilities and recommending improvements to keep communications systems resilient.