Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act
This legislation directs the federal government to investigate how vulnerable American mobile phone networks and devices are to foreign surveillance and cyberattacks. Federal officials will evaluate whether wireless carriers are fixing known security flaws, why companies struggle to replace outdated encryption, and how widely surveillance devices like fake cell towers are used inside the country. Although the bill does not immediately force carriers to change their practices or upgrade equipment, it provides Congress with the data needed to push for stronger privacy and security standards.
What this bill touches.
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- Congressional commerce committeesReceives an unredacted assessment detailing mobile network cybersecurity risks, adversary surveillance capabilities, encryption adoption barriers, and provider mitigation efforts to inform oversight and legislation.
Who it burdens
- National Telecommunications and Information AdministrationDirects the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to study mobile network cybersecurity, consult with industry and government partners, and submit a detailed unredacted report to Congress within one year.
- Department of Homeland SecurityRequired to consult with the Department of Commerce in researching and compiling the comprehensive mobile network cybersecurity report.
The provisions, in plain language.
Show all 7 provisions
Requires the Department of Commerce, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, to report to Congress on the cybersecurity of mobile phone networks and how effectively mobile providers are fixing known security vulnerabilities.
Requires the report to evaluate the strength and use of encryption and authentication across mobile networks and devices, as well as the obstacles providers face in retiring outdated security systems with known flaws.
Directs the report to assess the commercial availability, cost, and use of cell site simulators (IMSI catchers) and other mobile surveillance tools by foreign adversaries and hackers within the United States.
Mandates that the report be released to the public with sensitive technical details redacted to prevent cyberattacks, while providing the full unredacted findings and any classified information to congressional committees.
Directs the report to examine whether consumers, businesses, and government agencies consider cybersecurity when buying phones and mobile services, including the availability of resources to evaluate security risks and costs.
Requires federal officials to consult with intelligence agencies, cybersecurity regulators, academic experts, mobile carriers, device manufacturers, and software developers while preparing the assessment.
Restricts the study to security flaws that can realistically be exploited in real-world conditions, while explicitly excluding 5G networks and protocols from the review.
Requires the Department of Commerce, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, to report to Congress on the cybersecurity of mobile phone networks and how effectively mobile providers are fixing known security vulnerabilities.
Requires the report to evaluate the strength and use of encryption and authentication across mobile networks and devices, as well as the obstacles providers face in retiring outdated security systems with known flaws.
Directs the report to assess the commercial availability, cost, and use of cell site simulators (IMSI catchers) and other mobile surveillance tools by foreign adversaries and hackers within the United States.
Mandates that the report be released to the public with sensitive technical details redacted to prevent cyberattacks, while providing the full unredacted findings and any classified information to congressional committees.
How your members of Congress line up
How members voted on Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act.
Recorded roll calls on this bill, most recent first. Open one to see each member's position.
How it moved.
Show all 15 actions
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 360 - 10 (Roll no. 191). (text: CR H3209-3210)
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 360 - 10 (Roll no. 191).
- Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3230-3231)
- At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1709.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3209-3211)
- Mr. Latta moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 143.
- Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-177.
- Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 360 - 10 (Roll no. 191). (text: CR H3209-3210)
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 360 - 10 (Roll no. 191).
- Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-177.
- Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- Introduced in House
Read it for yourself.
Sources & provenance
Cite this page
Civic Herald. “Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act (H.R. 1709, 119th Congress).” https://civicherald.app/bills/119-hr-1709. Congress.gov record as of Jul 13, 2026.