S.Amdt. 5935

The Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026 is an amendment intended to be added to bill S. 4784. Its purpose is to address the growing threat of sabotage to critical undersea infrastructure, which includes both subsea communications and energy infrastructure (such as electricity cables and oil or gas pipelines).

The amendment aims to add the following to the bill:

• International Engagement: It directs the Secretary of State to increase engagement with international bodies to protect U.S. national security and economic interests. It also requires reports on the activities of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China regarding their subsea capabilities and surveillance.

• Sanctions: It grants the President the authority to impose sanctions, including blocking property and denying visas, on any foreign person or vessel determined to be responsible for or facilitating the sabotage of critical undersea infrastructure.

• Government Coordination: It requires the President to create an interagency committee to lead efforts in protecting subsea communications infrastructure and to collaborate with non-federal entities (private industry).

• Information Sharing: It establishes procedures for the timely sharing of both classified and unclassified information between the government and private sector actors regarding threats and sabotage.

• Expertise and Reporting: It mandates the Department of State to hire at least four full-time individuals to provide expertise on critical undersea infrastructure and requires various reports to Congress on specific past sabotage incidents and the progress of international security efforts.