Bill · H.R. 1737· House(119-HR-1737)
To direct the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress a report containing an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria.
- Introduced
- 2/27/2025
- Last activity
- 6/24/2025 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Stacey Plaskett
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
This Act directs the Secretary of Commerce to submit a report to Congress regarding a proposed trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable. The proposed cable would connect the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria. The report must assess the value, cost, and feasibility of this project to enhance United States national security. Additionally, the report will examine the potential for establishing a data center and high-security cloud services facility in the United States Virgin Islands. This assessment includes looking at digital security, economic opportunities, and the readiness of existing infrastructure.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+4
The assessment includes evaluating digital security and high-security cloud services for national security communications.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
The bill assesses economic opportunities and connectivity that could maximize investments in the US economy.
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+3
The report examines a submarine fiber optic cable intended to enhance connectivity between the US and several nations.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
National Security Enhancement: The report aims to assess a cable project intended to enhance the national security of the United States (Section 1(a)).
-
Economic Opportunities: The assessment will look into economic opportunities associated with the cable and potential connectivity opportunities to maximize investments in the United States economy (Section 1(b)(1), Section 1(b)(6)).
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Infrastructure and Communications Support: The report will evaluate the feasibility of establishing a data center and high-security cloud services facility in the United States Virgin Islands to support communications for the United States Africa Command, the United States Special Operations Command, and national security communications (Section 1(b)(7)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Data Collection Restrictions: The Secretary is prohibited from requiring any entity to provide data for the purposes of preparing this report (Section 1(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+4Improves International Alliances+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2Good For Urban Residents+1
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+1
- 6/24/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 6/23/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2847)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2847)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1737.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2847-2848)
- Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 6/12/2025
- Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-155.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 121.
- 3/4/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 2/27/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Russ FulcherRepublican · Idaho