S.Amdt. 6639

The Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026 is an amendment 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 deepen engagement with international bodies and allies to protect undersea infrastructure and advance U.S. national security and economic interests.

• Sanctions: It authorizes the President to impose sanctions—including blocking property and denying visas—on foreign persons, vessels, or entities responsible for, or facilitating, the sabotage of critical undersea infrastructure.

• Government Coordination: It requires the President to create an interagency committee to coordinate federal efforts, promote awareness, and facilitate voluntary information sharing with private sector owners and operators.

• Intelligence and Reporting: It mandates reports from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) regarding the subsea cable capabilities and sabotage activities of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China.

• Department of State Expertise: It requires the Department of State to ensure it has adequate expertise and personnel to handle diplomatic and security matters related to undersea infrastructure.

• Information Sharing: It establishes procedures for the timely sharing of classified and unclassified information regarding threats and sabotage between the government and non-federal entities.

• Protections for Private Sector: The amendment explicitly states it does not give the government new regulatory authority over private owners, nor does it allow the government to direct the day-to-day operational or commercial decisions of those owners.