Welch, Cruz Lead Bipartisan ‘SAT Act’ to Help Rural Communities Access High-Speed Internet

Jan 22, 2026
Bipartisan legislation provides regulatory predictability to the satellite industry, boosts broadband access, and ensures American space leadership
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.),Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee on Rural Development,Energy,and Credit, alongsideU.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas),Senate Commerce Committee Chairman, this week reintroduced the bipartisanSatellite and Telecommunications Streamlining (SAT) Act, legislation to expand access to high-speed internet in rural communities by cutting red tape that threatens investments in America’s commercial satellite industry. The Senators’ legislation aims to streamline the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) application process to ensure America remains competitive by incentivizing commercial satellite operators to base operations in the United States.
“Unlocking the full potential of America’s satellite industry is a major part of connecting more rural communities to high-speed internet. That’s why it’s crucial to reduce red tape that hinders the development of new satellite technology,”said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join Chair Cruz on this bipartisan legislation to help more rural communities from Vermont to Texas access high-speed internet.”
“We have more rocket launches and satellite deployments today than ever before. However, innovative companies that seek to expand broadband access to Americans are facing a regulatory process that is outdated, leading to massive delays in the deployment of new satellite technologies. I am pleased to be joined by Sen. Welch in reintroducing this important legislation that establishes a clear, standardized FCC review process that prevents unnecessary delays, keeps commercial satellite operators under the U.S. flag, and accelerates broadband deployment to unserved communities. America must lead the way on satellite deployment in space,”said Senator Cruz.
TheSAT Actwould address unreasonable regulatory delays due to the increase in the quantity of space and earth station applications submitted to the FCC by establishing clear, one-year deadlines for the FCC to process licensing applications. The legislation also standardizes “market access” for foreign satellite systems operating in the United States by capping licenses at 15 years, aligning them with the 15-year approval term applied to U.S. companies.
As Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, Senator Welch has led the fight to expand access to affordable, high-speed internet, includingurgingthe Trump Administration to support broadband buildout in rural America.
Find a list of theSAT Act’s supporting organizationshere.
Read and downloadthe full text of theSAT Act of 2026.
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