Blocking Foreign Cellular Modules in Defense Systems Act of 2026
Requires the Defense Department to audit its systems for specified cellular modules and report on cybersecurity risks and mitigation work.
In the Senate Armed Services Committee since Sept. 29, 2026, 9 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 29, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- SENATESENATE—
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Defense systems can include equipment that connects to cellular networks. The bill would require the Defense Department to search for certain cellular modules in its systems and assess their cybersecurity risks. It would also require reports on audit findings and possible mitigation work, with a later review by the Comptroller General.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Audit defense systems for covered modules
The Secretary of Defense would have to start a department-wide audit within 180 days of enactment. It would cover Defense Department activities and programs, including contractor-operated systems connected to Defense networks or accessing Defense information, and assess the cybersecurity risks of covered cellular modules.
- Report audit and mitigation work
The Secretary would report to congressional defense committees within one year of enactment and every two years afterward for no more than six years. Reports would describe audit findings, ongoing and planned mitigation measures, their costs and timelines, and any barriers or additional authorities needed.
- Review implementation and effectiveness
The Comptroller General would have to report to congressional defense committees on the implementation and effectiveness of the reported activities within 180 days after the Secretary submits a report.
The bill focuses on cybersecurity and supply-chain risks from cellular modules in Defense systems. It calls for assessing how those modules handle data, their network exposure and whether they could be accessed remotely.
The reports would give congressional defense committees information about mitigation options, costs, timelines and obstacles. That could help show what work is needed to address identified risks and what resources or authorities may be required.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 29, 2026SENATESEP 29, 2026By Sen. BanksReferred to Armed Services
- SAME DAYNOWSenate committeeSEP 29, 2026ARMED SERVICES NOWSEP 29, 2026In committee for 9 daysNo hearing yet
- 9 DAYS SO FARPassed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- House committee—HOUSE—
- Passed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 292026SEP 29, 2026REFERREDRead twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- SEP 292026SEP 29, 2026INTRODUCEDSENATEIntroduced in Senate
At day 9, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
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