Bill · H.R. 3479· House(119-HR-3479)
SECURE American Telecommunications Act
- Introduced
- 5/19/2025
- Last activity
- 5/19/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Natural Resources, and Foreign Affairs, 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.
- Sponsored by
- Rudy Yakym
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "SECURE American Telecommunications Act," aims to improve the licensing and security of submarine and cross-border terrestrial telecommunications cables. It shifts licensing authority for these cables from the President to the Federal Communications Commission. The legislation prohibits licenses for cables connecting to foreign adversaries or specific prohibited equipment. It also establishes minimum physical and cybersecurity standards for cable operators. Additionally, the bill creates a streamlined permit process and increases penalties for injuring submarine cables.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+8
The bill establishes minimum cybersecurity standards and mandatory incident reporting for critical telecommunications infrastructure.
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
The bill provides a streamlined, nationwide permit process for cable maintenance and construction.
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill shifts licensing authority to the FCC and restricts state and local regulatory oversight of telecommunications cables.
The opposite
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-5
The bill expressly prohibits state and local governments from regulating the placement and construction of licensed submarine cables.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-4
The bill limits the ability of state and local governments to regulate cables based on environmental effects and removes certain federal authorization requirements.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Security Standards: The bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish minimum physical and cybersecurity standards for submarine cables and landing stations (Section 2, subsection b). This could protect the integrity of telecommunications infrastructure.
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Streamlined Permitting: A nationwide general permit will be issued by the Secretary of the Army for the construction, repair, and maintenance of submarine cables (Section 4, subsection a). This process aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for cable maintenance.
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Protection of Infrastructure: The bill prohibits licenses for cables that connect the United States to areas controlled by foreign adversaries or facilities using prohibited communications equipment (Section 2, subsection a).
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Increased Deterrence for Damage: The bill increases penalties for the injury of submarine cables, raising maximum prison sentences and fines (Section 9).
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Improved Information Sharing: Entities must report cybersecurity incidents involving cables within 24 hours (Section 2, subsection a), and the Commission will share these reports with relevant entities like data centers (Section 2, subsection a).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Reporting Burdens: Individuals or entities must submit reports to the FCC and CISA within 24 hours of learning of a cybersecurity incident (Section 2, subsection a). Additionally, repair work requires a report to be submitted within 7 days of commencement (Section 5, subsection a).
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Restrictions on Connectivity: The law prohibits issuing licenses for submarine cables that directly connect the United States to areas controlled by foreign adversaries (Section 2, subsection a).
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Loss of Local Oversight: State and local governments are prohibited from regulating the placement, construction, modification, or repair of licensed submarine cables based on environmental effects (Section 4, subsection d).
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+8Improves International Alliances+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+5
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections-4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5Increase States Rights-5
- 7/16/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/9/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 5/19/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Natural Resources, and Foreign Affairs, 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.
- Introduced in House
Max MillerRepublican · Ohio
Addison McDowellRepublican · North Carolina
Jefferson ShreveRepublican · Indiana