Internet Cables: Maintenance in Protected Ocean Areas
Also known as: Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025
Legislative Progress
218–212
Key Points
- Congress is looking to simplify the rules for the massive fiber optic cables that lie on the ocean floor. These cables are the backbone of the global internet, carrying nearly all the data that travels between countries.
- The proposal would stop the government from requiring extra permits for these cables if they are located in national marine sanctuaries. If a company already has permission from another state or federal agency, they would not need to get a second, separate approval for the same work.
- This change covers everything from laying new cables to fixing old ones. By removing these extra steps, supporters hope to make it faster and cheaper to maintain the technology that keeps the world connected.
- The bill still requires government agencies to work together to ensure that these activities do not harm the protected ocean environments where the cables are located.
Milestones
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 212 (Roll no. 67).
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 212 (Roll no. 67).
Vote Results
2 votesOn Motion to Recommit
On Passage
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
To amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prohibit the Secretary of Commerce from prohibiting, or requiring any permit or other authorization for, the installation, continued presence, operation, maintenance, repair, or recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in a national marine sanctuary if such activities have been authorized by a Federal or State agency
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(7)Data Sources
Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.