Bill · H.R. 4625· House(119-HR-4625)
NEPTUNE Act
- Introduced
- 7/23/2025
- Last activity
- 7/23/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- Max Miller
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Naval Enhancement for Protection of Telecommunications Undersea Network Equipment Act" or the "NEPTUNE Act," focuses on submarine cable capabilities. It authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into contracts for the construction of up to two submarine cable laying and repair ships. The Act also establishes specific rules regarding contract liability and payments. Additionally, it places a limitation on when the USNS Zeus can be retired. Specifically, the USNS Zeus cannot be retired or placed in storage until a replacement ship is fully operational.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+4
The bill protects undersea telecommunications network equipment by ensuring the capability to lay and repair submarine cables.
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+3
By maintaining and repairing submarine cables, the bill supports the physical infrastructure necessary for global internet connectivity.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
The authorization for constructing up to two new ships and associated materials will likely stimulate jobs in the shipbuilding and maritime sectors.
The opposite
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?-2
The focus on undersea cable infrastructure is specialized and does not directly improve public transit systems.
Would people in cities be better off under this?-2
The benefits of maritime shipbuilding are often distributed to specific coastal industrial areas rather than urban centers generally.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The bill authorizes new spending for the construction of two submarine cable laying and repair ships.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Modernization of Infrastructure: The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to construct up to two new submarine cable laying and repair ships, which provides for new equipment and associated material (Section 2(a)).
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Protection of Existing Assets: The bill ensures that the USNS Zeus remains in service until a replacement ship with equal or exceeding capabilities is fully operational, preventing a gap in capability (Section 3(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Financial Risk Management: The bill specifies that any obligation to pay under a contract is subject to the availability of appropriations, which means payments are not guaranteed regardless of funding availability (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Limited Recovery upon Termination: If a contract is terminated, the Federal Government's total liability is limited to the amount of funding already obligated to the contract at that time (Section 2(b)(2)).
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+4
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Reduces Government Spending-1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2Good For Urban Residents-2
- 11/20/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/1/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/23/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Introduced in House
Elijah CraneRepublican · Arizona
Michael TurnerRepublican · Ohio