# Lawmakers Urge DoD to Expand Ukraine Starshield Access

A bipartisan, bicameral group of eight U.S. lawmakers urged the Department of Defense to expand its existing Starshield contract and restore reliable, uninterrupted satellite communications access for Ukraine, including unlimited speed and adequate geographic coverage. They also asked DoD to assess Title I Defense Production Act authorities and ensure service continues during any transition from commercial Starlink to government-contracted Starshield. The request is advocacy for a possible contract expansion, not an announced award or solicitation; no contract value, number, or procurement timeline was provided.

- DoD procurement teams may need to assess service continuity, speed, coverage, and capacity needs if the requested expansion proceeds.
- SpaceX, the Starshield service contractor, should note lawmakers’ emphasis on uninterrupted transition from Starlink and reliable access across Ukraine.
- The request to assess Defense Production Act authorities signals possible consideration of those authorities, but does not establish that they will be used or create a new requirement.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 24, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- U.S. House of Representatives
- U.S. Senate

### Vendors
- SpaceX (Starshield service contractor)

### Sources
- [US lawmakers urge Pentagon to expand Starshield contract and restore Ukraine's satellite access | Ukrainska Pravda](https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/10/24/8059500) - Українська правда
- [Rep. Panetta Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Group of Lawmakers Urging Pentagon to Restore and Expand Starshield Access for Ukraine | Congressman Jimmy Panetta](https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-panetta-joins-bipartisan-bicameral-group-lawmakers-urging-pentagon-restore) - Panetta House
- [Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, Quigley, Costa, Panetta, Kelly, Tillis, and Slotkin Urge Pentagon to Restore and Expand Starshield Access for Ukraine | Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur](https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-fitzpatrick-quigley-costa-panetta-kelly-tillis-and-slotkin-urge) - Kaptur