PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.
H.R.1338 / 118th Congress

SAT Streamlining Act

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 250 - 163, 1 Present (Roll no. 365).

Official summary

Version 07 · Reported to House · Jul 25, 2023

Satellite And Telecommunications Streamlining Act or the SAT Streamlining Act

This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revise its regulations that govern licenses and grants of U.S. market access for geostationary and non-geostationary orbital satellites. Geostationary orbital satellites maintain a stationary position in orbit while non-geostationary satellites move in relation to the Earth's surface; these satellites may be used to provide broadband and other telecommunications services.

In particular, the bill specifies deadlines by which the FCC must decide whether to approve an application for a license or grant of market access. Generally, the FCC must make a decision on (1) an initial application or a major modification of an application within one year, (2) a renewal of an application within 180 days, and (3) a minor modification of an application within 90 days. The bill allows the FCC to extend the deadlines in some instances, such as when an application raises national security and law enforcement concerns.

Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.

Read full official summaryShow less

Furthermore, the FCC regulations must include performance objectives for space safety and orbital debris that are specific, measurable, and technology-neutral.

The FCC must also include requirements related to the sharing of the electromagnetic spectrum band by licensees and grantees. For example, the FCC must (1) require licensees and grantees to make a good faith effort to coordinate their use of the spectrum with others, and (2) establish a quantifiable level of protection from harmful interference for other authorized users of the spectrum.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
PlainBill analysis is coming later. This page presents official source data. We have not yet published a PlainBill explanation for this bill.

Who introduced it

Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [R-WA-5] · R–WA

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
1 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

  1. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 250 - 163, 1 Present (Roll no. 365).

    House roll call 365 · Individual votes
  2. Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 250 - 163, 1 Present (Roll no. 365).

    House roll call 365 · Individual votes
  3. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3934)

  4. 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.

  5. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1338.

  6. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3919-3928; text: CR H3919-3924)

  7. Mr. Latta moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  8. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 125.

  9. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 118-157.

  10. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 118-157.

  11. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.

  12. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  13. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  14. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 0 .

  15. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  16. Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

  17. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

  18. Introduced in House

  19. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: May 27, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

Explore the bill from different angles

Choose a perspective, copy a prompt, and paste it into your preferred AI. Each prompt includes the bill version and available official source links, and asks for counterarguments as well as supporting evidence.

Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.1338 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

View full prompt & sources
Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.1338 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

View full prompt & sources
Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.1338 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

View full prompt & sources
Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.1338 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

View full prompt & sources