Bill > S318

This bill, known as the Accelerating Networking, Cyberinfrastructure, and Hardware for Oceanic Research (ANCHOR) Act, requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to develop a comprehensive plan to improve cybersecurity and telecommunications for the U.S. Academic Research Fleet within one year of enactment. The plan must include assessments of telecommunications and networking needs, cybersecurity requirements, implementation costs, and time required for upgrades, focusing on vessels operated by research universities and laboratories that receive National Science Foundation funding. The bill specifically calls for evaluating network capabilities to support critical vessel functions, telemedicine, scientific data management, real-time streaming for remote observation and expertise, and potential centralized cybersecurity solutions. The Director must consult with federal agencies, cybersecurity experts, and non-Federal vessel owners to develop recommendations, considering aspects such as network speed, bandwidth, information security standards, encryption protocols, incident response, personnel training, and handling of sensitive information. The plan will be submitted to the Senate and House committees overseeing science and technology, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the technological capabilities and security of oceanographic research vessels.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/318/all-info