Bill > HR4625

This bill, known as the Naval Enhancement for Protection of Telecommunications Undersea Network Equipment (NEPTUNE) Act, authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into a contract for constructing up to two submarine cable laying and repair ships. The bill includes specific provisions about the contract's financial liability, stating that any government payment obligations are subject to available appropriations, and the total federal liability for contract termination is limited to the amount of funding already obligated. Additionally, the bill restricts the retirement of the current submarine cable laying and repair ship, USNS Zeus, until a replacement ship with equal or greater capabilities has achieved full operational capability. The replacement ship must be designated as "USNS" and maintained in the Navy's inventory, and specifically cannot be a commercial vessel leased or chartered by the Navy. This legislation aims to ensure the continued capability of the Navy to maintain and repair critical undersea telecommunications infrastructure.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4625/all-info