Rep. Wilson Introduces the Strategic Subsea Cables Act to Protect Global Data Lines
This bill is currently sitting in four different House committees for review. No action has been taken on the proposal since March 2026, which means it has been stalled for three months. It must receive a vote or approval from these committees before it can move forward.
The bill has bipartisan support from leaders on the Foreign Affairs Committee, but it deals with complex sanctions and multiple agencies which can slow things down.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Foreign nationals sanctioned under this bill for involvement in undersea cable sabotage would have their U.S. visas immediately revoked. This applies to anyone found responsible for or facilitating sabotage, including vessel operators, insurers, and logistics providers. The revocation takes effect immediately and cancels all other valid entry documents.
“The visa or other entry documentation of an alien described in subsection (a) shall be revoked, regardless of when such visa or other entry documentation is or was issued.”
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.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
On March 27, 2026, Reps. Joe Wilson and Gregory Meeks introduced the 'Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026,' a bipartisan bill to secure undersea fiber-optic cables from sabotage by Russia and China. The bill mandates sanctions and tasks the ODNI with identifying those responsible for past attacks.
Reps. Joe Wilson and Gregory Meeks introduced a House companion to a Senate bill that would require the president to sanction foreign entities and individuals who intentionally damage subsea fiber-optic cables, marking a significant step toward protecting critical undersea infrastructure.
The Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026 aims to enhance U.S. engagement in the security and maintenance of subsea cables. Key provisions include sanctions for intentional damage, the creation of an interagency committee, and improved threat information sharing with private operators.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026
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