H.R. 9880: GPS Modernization Acceleration Act

This bill would require the President and relevant federal agencies to speed up the modernization of the Global Positioning System (GPS), which is the satellite-based system used for navigation, timing, and location services.

What the bill would do

• It directs the executive branch to accelerate the transition to a modernized GPS enterprise within 180 days after enactment.
• It calls for a clear timetable to deploy a full set of 24 GPS IIIF satellites and to upgrade the ground control systems that manage the GPS network.
• It requires a plan to keep GPS working reliably while older systems are replaced and upgrades are underway.
• It emphasizes use of the L5 signal for both civilian and military purposes, alongside older GPS frequencies, to improve resilience.
• It calls for coordination among the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, and other agencies to speed up upgrades.
• It encourages strategies to help critical infrastructure operators reduce the risk from GPS interference, jamming, and spoofing, including possible use of terrestrial and commercial satellite alternatives.
• It also asks for faster deployment of military GPS user equipment and integration of newer receivers into weapons systems.

Reporting requirements

The bill would require the Secretary of Defense, working with the Secretary of Transportation on civilian and infrastructure-related issues, to submit a report within 180 days and then annually for up to three years. That report would have to include:

• progress on GPS modernization;
• coordination challenges among agencies;
• steps taken to address jamming, spoofing, and interference;
• funding, spending, and additional resource needs; and
• recommendations for further legislative or administrative action.

The report would generally be unclassified, though it could include a classified annex.

Scope and limits

The bill is focused on GPS modernization and does not itself create a new program or appropriate new funding. It also states that its coordination provisions do not apply to certain spectrum tied to LORAN infrastructure referenced in existing law.

Relevant Companies

• None found