Bill > HR3479

This bill, known as the SECURE American Telecommunications Act, aims to improve the licensing and security of submarine and cross-border terrestrial telecommunications cables by introducing several key provisions. The bill transfers submarine cable licensing authority from the President to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), establishes new restrictions on cable connections with foreign adversaries, and requires cable operators to report cybersecurity incidents within 24 hours. The FCC must develop minimum physical and cybersecurity standards for submarine cables and their landing stations, and review these standards every two years. The bill also creates a new licensing requirement for terrestrial telecommunications cables crossing international borders, streamlines the permit process, and limits environmental review and state/local regulation of cable installations. Additionally, the legislation increases penalties for damaging submarine cables, with potential imprisonment up to 25 years for serious offenses. The bill requires the Secretary of State to seek international security agreements with allies like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and mandates a study on establishing submarine cable protection zones. Furthermore, the FCC must report annually on cybersecurity incidents affecting submarine cables and join the International Cable Protection Committee, with the broader goal of enhancing the security and resilience of global telecommunications infrastructure.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3479/all-info