Bill ensures availability of reliable global positioning systems

The National Timing Resilience and Security Act of 2017, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to work with the Secretary of Homeland Security and Commandant of the Coast Guard to establish, sustain and operate of a land-based, alternative timing system to Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, was recently advanced through the Senate.

This ensures uncorrupted and nondegraded timing signals will be available for military and civilian use should GPS signals become corrupted, degraded, unreliable, or otherwise unavailable.

U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the legislation in December 2017.

There is no domestic backup system for GPS and crucial infrastructure, Cruz said. Having an alternative GPS timing system is essential for national and economic security, he said.

Should the systems shut down, it would pose an immediate threat to life and the economy, Cruz said.

“The precise timing provided by GPS forms the backbone of the nation’s banking, communications, electricity, and transportation sectors,” Markey said. “Regrettably, this vital system could be imperiled by natural phenomenon like solar flares or coordinated attacks like jamming. I’m proud this legislation includes Senator Cruz and my provision creating a backup GPS system, which will enhance the resilience and reliability of this critical infrastructure.”