§2279d Limitation on Construction on United States Territory of Satellite Positioning Ground Monitoring Stations of Certain Foreign Governments

Summary

Stops the President from allowing a foreign-government-controlled satellite ground monitoring station to be built in the United States unless the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence jointly say in writing that the station cannot be used to spy in the U.S. or help foreign weapons. That statement must be unclassified, but it can have a secret attachment. The Secretary and the Director can waive the rule if they say the waiver is vital to U.S. national security and put safeguards in place: the data must not be encrypted, only U.S. persons may build and run the site, sites must not be near sensitive U.S. security locations, the U.S. must approve the equipment, steps must be taken to prevent cyber or intelligence threats, and any upgrades must not harm or compete with GPS advantages. For each waiver, the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence, with the Secretary of State, must send a report to Congress explaining why they could not give the required statement, how the waiver affects U.S. security, how they will reduce any risks, and other relevant details. They must give notice and that report at least 30 days before using the waiver to the following congressional committees: Senate—Armed Services; Foreign Relations; and Select Committee on Intelligence; House—Armed Services; Foreign Affairs; and Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The rule does not apply to U.S. allies. The rule ends on December 31, 2023.