Bill > S3249

This bill, the Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026, aims to bolster the United States government's coordination and security efforts concerning international subsea fiber-optic cables, which are crucial for global data transmission and economic activity. It establishes a framework for enhancing U.S. engagement in international bodies like the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) to safeguard national interests, and it allows for the imposition of sanctions against foreign individuals and entities found responsible for sabotaging critical undersea infrastructure, which includes both telecommunications and energy cables. The bill mandates several reports to Congress detailing activities by countries like China and Russia related to subsea cables, assessing potential sabotage incidents, and outlining strategies for engaging foreign partners to improve the security and resilience of this infrastructure. Furthermore, it calls for expanding expertise within the Department of State on undersea infrastructure matters and establishes an interagency committee to improve the coordination of subsea telecommunications infrastructure, including streamlining licensing and permitting processes and strengthening information sharing between government agencies and private sector actors involved in the operation, maintenance, and repair of these vital networks.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3249/all-info