Review – HR 1709 Introduced – Mobile Cybersecurity Report

Last month, Rep Landsman (D,OH) introduced HR 1709, the Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act.  The bill would require the Department of Commerce to prepare a report to Congress that examines “the cybersecurity of mobile service networks and the vulnerability of such networks and mobile devices to cyberattacks and surveillance conducted by adversaries.” No new money is authorized by this bill.

This bill is essentially identical to the version of HR 1123 that was passed in the 118^th Congress. That bill was introduced by Rep Eshoo (D,CA) in February of 2023. The bill was considered in the House without being acted upon by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The bill was considered under the suspension of the rules and passed on March 7^th, 2023 and passed by a bipartisan vote of 393 to 22.

Moving Forward

The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a business meeting on March 4^th, 2025, to consider eleven bills, including HR 1709. This bill was ordered reported favorably (without amendment) by a voice vote. Once the report is published, the bill would be cleared for consideration by the whole House. The bill would almost certainly be considered under the suspension of the rules process (limited debate, no floor amendments, and a supermajority would be required for passage).

 

For more information on the provisions of this bill, see my article at CFSN Detailed Analysis - https://patrickcoyle.substack.com/p/hr-1709-introduced - subscription required.