Eric Schmitt (R-MO)
Combating Critical Infrastructure Vandalism Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
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
This bill is known as the Combating Critical Infrastructure Vandalism Act of 2026. It updates an existing law regarding the vandalism of communication lines, stations, or systems. Specifically, it makes it unlawful to willfully or maliciously injure, destroy, or steal copper, fiber, or coaxial cables used for telecommunications or information services. These cables must be used in or affect interstate or foreign commerce. Anyone who violates this new provision faces a fine, imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both. The new cable protection rule does not apply to customer premises equipment located on a customer's property that they own, rent, or lease.
Yes
- Scored +4
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
Protecting copper, fiber, and coaxial cables from vandalism and theft helps maintain reliable internet and telecommunications access.
- Scored +3
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
By protecting critical telecommunications infrastructure like fiber and coaxial cables, the bill helps safeguard communication networks.
- Scored +2
Does this invest in rural communities?
Protecting vital telecommunications infrastructure benefits communities, including rural areas, that rely on stable communication lines.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?
The bill imposes strict penalties including imprisonment for up to 10 years for vandalism or theft of telecommunications cables.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 2 adds a provision making it unlawful to willfully or maliciously injure, destroy, or steal copper, fiber, or coaxial cables used for telecommunications or information services. This could benefit everyday people by helping protect the communication networks they rely on every day from damage or theft.
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Section 2 establishes that anyone who violates the new rule regarding these cables shall be fined, imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both. This holds accountable those who damage or steal critical communication infrastructure that the public depends on.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2 outlines harsh penalties, including being fined or imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both, for individuals who violate the new rules regarding the injury, destruction, or theft of copper, fiber, or coaxial cables. This could place a heavy burden on individuals and their families if they are convicted under these expanded laws.
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.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this shorten or soften prison sentences? — The bill imposes strict penalties including imprisonment for up to 10 years for vandalism or theft of telecommunications cables.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — Protecting copper, fiber, and coaxial cables from vandalism and theft helps maintain reliable internet and telecommunications access.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — By protecting critical telecommunications infrastructure like fiber and coaxial cables, the bill helps safeguard communication networks.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — Protecting vital telecommunications infrastructure benefits communities, including rural areas, that rely on stable communication lines.
- 9/30/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California