Stacey Plaskett (D-VI)
To direct the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress a report containing an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria.
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- In Senate committee
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This Act directs the Secretary of Commerce to submit a report to Congress regarding a proposed trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable. The proposed cable would connect the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria. The report must assess the value, cost, and feasibility of this project to enhance United States national security. Additionally, the report will examine the potential for establishing a data center and high-security cloud services facility in the United States Virgin Islands. This assessment includes looking at digital security, economic opportunities, and the readiness of existing infrastructure.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +4
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The assessment includes evaluating digital security and high-security cloud services for national security communications.
- Scored +3
Is this likely to create jobs?
The bill assesses economic opportunities and connectivity that could maximize investments in the US economy.
- Scored +3
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
The report examines a submarine fiber optic cable intended to enhance connectivity between the US and several nations.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
National Security Enhancement: The report aims to assess a cable project intended to enhance the national security of the United States (Section 1(a)).
-
Economic Opportunities: The assessment will look into economic opportunities associated with the cable and potential connectivity opportunities to maximize investments in the United States economy (Section 1(b)(1), Section 1(b)(6)).
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Infrastructure and Communications Support: The report will evaluate the feasibility of establishing a data center and high-security cloud services facility in the United States Virgin Islands to support communications for the United States Africa Command, the United States Special Operations Command, and national security communications (Section 1(b)(7)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Data Collection Restrictions: The Secretary is prohibited from requiring any entity to provide data for the purposes of preparing this report (Section 1(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The assessment includes evaluating digital security and high-security cloud services for national security communications. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill examines geopolitical advantages and engagement with trusted entities via a trans-Atlantic cable.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill assesses economic opportunities and connectivity that could maximize investments in the US economy. Is this likely to grow the economy? — The report explores ways to maximize investments in the United States economy through new cable connectivity.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The assessment of economic opportunities and connectivity could benefit businesses involved in digital infrastructure. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The potential for a new data center and cloud services facility could support infrastructure in the US Virgin Islands.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The report examines a submarine fiber optic cable intended to enhance connectivity between the US and several nations.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill assesses the readiness of telecommunications infrastructure in the United States Virgin Islands.
- 6/24/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 6/23/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2847)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2847)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1737.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2847-2848)
- Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 6/12/2025
- Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-155.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 121.
- 3/4/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 2/27/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Russ FulcherRepublican · Idaho