Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2025
Senate Committee Advances Strategic Subsea Cables Act to Sanction Foreign Groups That Cut Undersea Internet Lines
Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Congress is moving to protect the massive fiber-optic cables that run under the ocean and carry nearly all global internet traffic. These cables are essential for daily life, supporting everything from personal emails to international banking and government communications.
- The proposal would allow the government to punish foreign individuals or groups who intentionally damage these cables. These punishments include freezing their U.S. bank accounts and banning them from traveling to the United States.
- A new team of experts from different government agencies would be formed to coordinate cable safety. This group would work to speed up the permits needed to build new cables and create a clear emergency plan for when cables are accidentally or purposely cut.
- The government would start tracking and reporting on suspicious activity from foreign ships near these cables. Specifically, officials would monitor countries like China and Russia for any technology designed to cut or damage cables deep on the ocean floor.
- The State Department would hire more staff to work with private companies that own and maintain these cables. The goal is to make it easier for the government and private businesses to share information about threats so they can prevent internet outages before they happen.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
The bill requires the State Department to hire at least two new full-time staff in the Bureau for Cyberspace and Digital Policy dedicated to subsea cable issues. It also establishes a new interagency committee spanning multiple federal departments, which will need staffing and resources. While the direct hiring mandate is small, it signals growing career opportunities in digital infrastructure security across several agencies.
Milestones
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 327.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articles
Senators push bill to boost U.S. role in undersea cable security
U.S. senators proposed the Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2025 to enhance government engagement in the security and repair of fiber-optic cables. The bill requires the president to impose sanctions on individuals who intentionally damage cables and establishes an inter-agency committee.
Congress Moves to Defend Undersea Cables From China, Russia
The bipartisan bill introduced by Sens. Shaheen and Barrasso would allow the Treasury to cut off foreign persons responsible for cable damage from the dollar-settling system. It aims to fortify defenses against sabotage in hotspots like the Baltic Sea and Taiwan Strait.
US senators unveil subsea cables act
The bill calls for greater U.S. participation in international bodies like the International Cable Protection Committee and mandates a federal strategy to work with industry partners. It responds to a rise in cable cuts in the Baltic Sea and Taiwan Strait attributed to adversarial targeting.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(2)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.