A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Intelligence (Permanent Select), and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026 aims to improve United States Government coordination regarding the security, installation, maintenance, and repair of international subsea fiber-optic cables. The bill establishes an interagency committee to oversee subsea telecommunications infrastructure and enhances expertise at the Department of State. It also provides the President with authority to impose sanctions on foreign persons responsible for or facilitating the sabotage of critical undersea infrastructure. Furthermore, the act mandates various reports concerning the activities of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation. Finally, it seeks to strengthen information sharing between the government and the private sector to protect these vital links.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +4
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The act mandates increased engagement with international bodies and foreign partners to safeguard shared undersea infrastructure.
- Scored +3
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill enhances the protection of subsea telecommunications cables which are vital to global data flows and digital security.
- Scored +2
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill provides a clearer concept of operations and more streamlined permitting for the subsea cable industry.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Security of Critical Infrastructure: The bill aims to increase engagement in international bodies and work with foreign partners to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure, which is vital to economic prosperity and security (Section 101, Section 103).
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Imposition of Sanctions on Saboteurs: The President is authorized to impose sanctions, including blocking property and revoking visas, on foreign persons responsible for the sabotage of critical undersea infrastructure (Section 104).
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Increased Expertise and Coordination: The Act mandates expanding expertise within the Department of State to better support interagency engagement on infrastructure protection (Section 201).
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Improved Information Sharing: The bill establishes procedures for the timely sharing of information regarding subsea telecommunications infrastructure sabotage between the government and non-federal entities (Section 302).
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Streamlined Infrastructure Processes: The establishment of an interagency committee is intended to facilitate subsea telecommunications cable licensing and permitting (Section 301).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Sanctions Impact: The President has the authority to block the property of foreign persons and render them inadmissible to the United States, which includes revoking current visas with immediate effect (Section 104).
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Increased Government Oversight: The bill creates an interagency committee to oversee various aspects of subsea telecommunications infrastructure, including licensing, funding, and permitting processes (Section 301).
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 strengthen ties with allied countries? — The act mandates increased engagement with international bodies and foreign partners to safeguard shared undersea infrastructure. Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill enhances the protection of subsea telecommunications cables which are vital to global data flows and digital security.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill provides a clearer concept of operations and more streamlined permitting for the subsea cable industry.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Protecting subsea telecommunications infrastructure helps ensure the continued availability of digital services for consumers. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill facilitates streamlined licensing and permitting processes for subsea infrastructure, which may assist businesses involved in these sectors.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill aims to protect the physical infrastructure that carries the vast majority of global internet and data traffic.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — By improving the coordination of subsea telecommunications infrastructure, the bill supports the digital connectivity essential to modern infrastructure.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates various reports to Congress regarding foreign activities and infrastructure sabotage assessments.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this tighten control of the border? — The bill focuses on securing undersea infrastructure, which is a component of national security and maritime domain awareness.
- 3/24/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Intelligence (Permanent Select), and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Gregory MeeksDemocrat · New York