Bill · H.R. 8069· House(119-HR-8069)
Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/24/2026
- Last activity
- 3/24/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Intelligence (Permanent Select), and Energy and Commerce, 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
- Joe Wilson
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026 aims to improve United States Government coordination regarding the security, installation, maintenance, and repair of international subsea fiber-optic cables. The bill establishes an interagency committee to oversee subsea telecommunications infrastructure and enhances expertise at the Department of State. It also provides the President with authority to impose sanctions on foreign persons responsible for or facilitating the sabotage of critical undersea infrastructure. Furthermore, the act mandates various reports concerning the activities of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation. Finally, it seeks to strengthen information sharing between the government and the private sector to protect these vital links.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+4
The act mandates increased engagement with international bodies and foreign partners to safeguard shared undersea infrastructure.
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+3
The bill enhances the protection of subsea telecommunications cables which are vital to global data flows and digital security.
Would business owners be better off under this?+2
The bill provides a clearer concept of operations and more streamlined permitting for the subsea cable industry.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Security of Critical Infrastructure: The bill aims to increase engagement in international bodies and work with foreign partners to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure, which is vital to economic prosperity and security (Section 101, Section 103).
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Imposition of Sanctions on Saboteurs: The President is authorized to impose sanctions, including blocking property and revoking visas, on foreign persons responsible for the sabotage of critical undersea infrastructure (Section 104).
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Increased Expertise and Coordination: The Act mandates expanding expertise within the Department of State to better support interagency engagement on infrastructure protection (Section 201).
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Improved Information Sharing: The bill establishes procedures for the timely sharing of information regarding subsea telecommunications infrastructure sabotage between the government and non-federal entities (Section 302).
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Streamlined Infrastructure Processes: The establishment of an interagency committee is intended to facilitate subsea telecommunications cable licensing and permitting (Section 301).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Sanctions Impact: The President has the authority to block the property of foreign persons and render them inadmissible to the United States, which includes revoking current visas with immediate effect (Section 104).
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Increased Government Oversight: The bill creates an interagency committee to oversee various aspects of subsea telecommunications infrastructure, including licensing, funding, and permitting processes (Section 301).
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 International Alliances+4Improves Cybersecurity Defense+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+1Improves Small Business Support+1
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+1
- 3/24/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Intelligence (Permanent Select), and Energy and Commerce, 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Gregory MeeksDemocrat · New York