WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 261

Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Cliff Bentz and 5 co-sponsors

The Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025 streamlines permit processes for undersea fiber optic cables, boosting internet connectivity by easing deployment in marine sanctuaries.

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-181.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 261

Summary of HR 261: Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HR 261
  • Title: Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025
  • Status: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources (H. Rept. 119-181)
  • Introduced: January 09, 2025
  • Primary Sponsor: Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA)
  • Cosponsors: Kat Cammack, August Pfluger, Russell Fry, Neal P. Dunn, Cliff Bentz

Purpose of the Legislation

The Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025 aims to amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA) to streamline the regulatory process for undersea fiber optic cables within national marine sanctuaries. The bill seeks to eliminate the requirement for additional permits or authorizations from the Secretary of Commerce for activities related to undersea cables that have already been authorized by federal or state agencies.

Key Provisions

  1. Prohibition on Additional Permits:

    • The Secretary of Commerce is prohibited from requiring permits or other authorizations for the installation, operation, maintenance, or recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in national marine sanctuaries if these activities have already been authorized by a federal or state agency.

  2. Removal of Special Use Permit (SUP) Requirements:

    • The bill removes the requirement for Special Use Permits (SUPs) for undersea cables, which have historically delayed the installation of new cables due to lengthy approval processes.

  3. Interagency Cooperation:

    • The legislation maintains existing requirements for interagency cooperation, ensuring that federal agencies continue to collaborate on actions involving undersea cables.

Background and Need for Legislation

Undersea cables are critical for global telecommunications, carrying approximately 95% of intercontinental internet traffic and facilitating trillions in international financial transactions daily. However, the current regulatory framework has hindered the installation of new cables within national marine sanctuaries, with no new cables constructed in the last 20 years due to burdensome permit processes.

The bill addresses these regulatory challenges by simplifying the approval process, thereby promoting the expansion of undersea cable infrastructure essential for modern communication.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The bill primarily impacts telecommunications companies and federal/state agencies involved in the authorization and installation of undersea cables.
  • Potential Benefits: By reducing regulatory hurdles, the legislation aims to enhance the efficiency of undersea cable deployment, potentially improving internet connectivity and communication infrastructure.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 09, 2025: Introduced in the House.
  • January 21, 2025: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
  • January 23, 2025: Subcommittee hearings held.
  • June 25, 2025: Committee on Natural Resources reported the bill with amendments.
  • July 02, 2025: Placed on the Union Calendar and reported (amended) by the Committee.

Conclusion

The Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025 represents a significant step toward modernizing the regulatory framework governing undersea telecommunications infrastructure. By easing permit requirements, the bill aims to facilitate the growth of essential communication networks while maintaining necessary environmental protections within national marine sanctuaries.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.