This Week in ICT & Cybersecurity — Washington (#13, 2026)
FCC requires foreign adversary disclosure from telecom licensees; proposed import ban on covered equipment; FCC modernizes debarment rules; White House announces US-Hungary technology partnerships; Several ICT bills progress in the House.
This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning ICT, cloud computing, digital infrastructure, social media platforms, digital privacy, AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, Web3 and cryptocurrencies. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.
Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don't miss this week's updates in Finance and Defence. Also consider subscribing to our ICT & Cybersecurity - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.
Dates: 2026-04-05 to 2026-04-11
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Congressional Calendar
- Senate Commerce Committee to Consider Cybersecurity and Quantum Legislation: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will meet on April 14 to consider bills addressing cybersecurity for commercial satellites (S.3404), quantum computing (S.3597), spectrum licensing controls (S.1962), and technology safety standards.
- Senate Energy and Natural Resources to Examine AI-Related Energy Legislation: On April 15, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy will hold hearings on bills concerning grid-enhancing technology, power system reliability, and a technology assessment for liquid cooling of AI compute clusters (S.3269).
- House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Semiconductor Ecosystem: The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will convene April 15 for a hearing titled 'Computing Power and Competition: Examining the Semiconductor Ecosystem.'
Federal Government News
FCC Mandates Foreign Adversary Control Disclosures Across Communications Sector
The Federal Communications Commission issued a final rule establishing new disclosure and attestation requirements addressing the risk of foreign adversary control across a broad range of agency-granted licenses and authorizations. The rules cover wireless, common carrier, broadcast, satellite, submarine cable, and other critical infrastructure, introducing a tiered reporting structure based on national security risk and regulatory burden. Licensees and applicants must attest to whether they are owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign adversary, defined in alignment with Department of Commerce determinations. Additional reporting requirements apply to licensees affirming foreign adversary control, including detailed identification of 5% or greater interest holders. The FCC will collect and publicly disclose data through a new Foreign Adversary Control System, with noncompliance potentially resulting in revocation of authorizations. The rule takes effect June 9, 2026, with compliance for key sections pending further notice.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Seeks Comment on Prohibiting Importation and Marketing of Covered Equipment Listed Prior to 2025
The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and Office of Engineering and Technology requested input on a proposal to prohibit further importation and marketing of communications equipment added to the Covered List in 2024 or earlier, even if previously authorized. Citing national security determinations by Congress and the Department of Commerce—particularly regarding Kaspersky Lab products and equipment from companies such as Huawei and ZTE—the notice seeks views on the anticipated economic and supply chain impact for providers, consumers, and manufacturers. The commission is considering a 30-day implementation timeline and clarifies the ban would not affect the continued use of equipment already in operation.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
FCC Modernizes Suspension and Debarment Rules Across Covered Programs
The FCC adopted rules updating its suspension and debarment processes for all federal programs it administers, including Universal Service Fund, TRS, NDBEDP, and formerly the Affordable Connectivity Program. Key provisions expand the scope to primary and lower-tier participants, require disclosure of exclusion or misconduct, and allow suspension or debarment for offenses such as fraud or non-compliance. Excluded participants must transition services to alternative providers, with possible exceptions. Administrative agreements and interagency reciprocity are included, and the FCC will update reporting systems for compliance.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
White House Fact Sheet: U.S.-Hungary Bilateral Technology and Security Agreements
The White House reported that Vice President JD Vance visited Budapest for bilateral discussions resulting in new commercial and technology agreements. Notable deals include a $500 million crude oil purchase by Hungary's MOL Group, a $20 billion U.S.-supported Small Modular Reactor deployment study, and MOUs between Westinghouse and Hungary’s MVM. Microsoft will partner with Hungary to expand AI training, digital infrastructure, and sovereign cloud solutions. On defense, Hungary plans $700 million in HIMARS procurements, while Northrop Grumman and 4iG will jointly develop a geosynchronous national security satellite.
Sources: www.whitehouse.gov
Justice Department Seeks Public Comment on Data Security Requirements for Accessing Confidential Data
The Bureau of Justice Statistics published a 30-day notice regarding renewal of its data security requirements for those accessing agency-held confidential data, such as microdata used for statistical and research purposes under the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act. Requirements include a restricted data use agreement, privacy certificate, detailed security plan, confidentiality pledge, IRB documentation, and certification of training. DOJ estimates the annual burden at 165 hours across 55 applications.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
Legislative Updates
Emergency Reporting Act Advances in the House
Bill 5200, titled the Emergency Reporting Act, is focused on science, technology, and communications. The measure has been placed on the Union Calendar as Calendar No. 517 for further action.
Sources: www.congress.gov
House Bill Seeks Data Center Queue and Rate Class Reforms
Bill 8241 proposes creation of data center load queues and specific rate classes to address the impact of data centers on electricity consumers. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Sources: www.congress.gov
Lulu’s Law Listed on Union Calendar
Bill 2076, known as Lulu’s Law and related to science, technology, and communications policy, has been placed on the House Union Calendar as Calendar No. 518.
Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week
- AI Is Forcing a Rethink in Cybersecurity: The Wall Street Journal examines how artificial intelligence is changing cybersecurity strategies for enterprises.
- Anthropic touts AI cybersecurity project with Big Tech partners: Anthropic announced a collaboration with major technology firms to enhance cybersecurity using artificial intelligence.
- Tecto plans new Brazil data centers, part of $2 billion investment: Tecto will invest $2 billion in new Brazilian data center infrastructure.
- EU weighing tighter regulation for OpenAI under Digital Services Act: The EU is considering stricter oversight of OpenAI under the Digital Services Act.
- South Africa unveils draft AI policy, proposes new institutions and incentives: South Africa released a draft AI policy with plans to establish new institutions and incentives for adoption.