Research Ships: Plan to Upgrade Cybersecurity and Internet Connections
Also known as: ANCHOR Act
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Congress directs the National Science Foundation to write a plan, within 18 months, to improve cybersecurity and telecom on U.S. university-run ocean research ships.
- The plan must spell out what each ship needs for safer operations and research, like stronger onboard networks and secure systems for sending data back to shore.
- It also must estimate costs (equipment, software, staff training/support) and how upgrades could change what it costs to charter a ship for a research trip.
- The plan should look for shared, cheaper solutions across the fleet, like common tools, group buying, or centralizing some security and data services.
- After the plan is delivered, the agency may help fund upgrades, and it must report back to Congress within two years on progress.
Milestones
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 - 11 (Roll no. 136). (text: 5/19/2025 CR H2113-2114)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 - 11 (Roll no. 136). (text: 5/19/2025 CR H2113-2114)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2168)
Vote Results
1 voteOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
ANCHOR Act
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(5)Data Sources
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