GPS Modernization Acceleration Act

Summary#

This bill directs the President to accelerate modernization of the Global Positioning System (GPS) Enterprise. It requires the executive branch to move faster to develop and deploy a full constellation of 24 GPS IIIF satellites, upgrade the ground control segment, and prioritize the L5 signal for civilian and military use. The bill also calls for coordination between the Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation, and other agencies, strategies to reduce GPS interference (including considering terrestrial and commercial positioning systems), and plans to speed deployment of military GPS user equipment (Increments 1 and 2).

The Secretary of Defense, working with the Secretary of Transportation where relevant, must submit a report to specified congressional committees no later than 180 days after enactment and then annually for up to three years. The report must assess progress on modernization, evaluate interagency coordination, describe strategies to counter interference, list funding allocations and needs, and recommend legislative or administrative actions. Reports should be unclassified but may include a classified annex. The bill excludes spectrum referenced in section 312(d) of title 49 related to LORAN from certain coordination provisions.

What it means for you#

• Federal agencies must move faster to replace older GPS satellites and upgrade control systems. The bill sets a 180-day deadline for the President to begin accelerating that transition.
• The L5 signal is prioritized for both civilian and military use, which could affect future receiver designs and services that rely on GPS.
• The bill calls for strategies to address jamming and spoofing and for coordination to encourage critical infrastructure to reduce risks from GPS interference. It also asks for faster fielding of newer military GPS receivers.
• The law does not itself set specific new spending in the text provided; instead it requires reports that describe funding needs and allocations.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on total costs or specific appropriations is included in the bill text. The bill requires the Secretary of Defense (with the Secretary of Transportation where relevant) to report funding allocations, expenditures, and any additional resource needs for the Department of Defense and Department of Transportation to meet modernization goals.

Proponents' View#

The bill's findings state that GPS is a critical national asset for military operations, civilian infrastructure, and the economy. Proponents say modernization is needed because many satellites are aging, adversaries are interfering with signals, and newer signals and satellites (for example GPS IIIF and L5) will improve resilience, security, and operational effectiveness. They argue better interagency coordination and faster transition will avoid capability gaps as legacy systems are phased out.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opposing views is included in the bill text or provided materials.