Bill · H.R. 8177· House(119-HR-8177)
Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resilience Initiative Act
- Introduced
- 4/2/2026
- Last activity
- 4/2/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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
- Michael Lawler
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes the "Taiwan Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resilience Initiative" to protect essential undersea cables and energy infrastructure near Taiwan. It aims to counter "gray zone" tactics and potential sabotage by the People's Republic of China. The legislation focuses on deploying advanced monitoring systems, establishing rapid response protocols, and enhancing maritime domain awareness. Additionally, it authorizes sanctions against foreign persons or entities responsible for sabotaging critical infrastructure. The act also creates a Cross-Strait Contingency Planning Group to prepare for potential crises involving Taiwan.
Yes· 3 of 10
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+8
The bill specifically protects the undersea cables that provide critical internet connectivity to Taiwan.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+7
The bill promotes cooperation with regional partners and allies through joint maritime patrols and intelligence sharing.
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+6
The bill enhances the physical and intelligence-based security of subsea telecommunications infrastructure.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Essential Services: By establishing an initiative to protect critical undersea infrastructure, the bill aims to prevent disruptions to communication and energy that could cripple military, economic, and social functions (Section 2).
-
Enhanced Early Warning Systems: The development of advanced monitoring systems could provide Taiwan with early warnings regarding risks to its critical undersea infrastructure (Section 4).
-
Improved Emergency Response: The creation of rapid response protocols and increased logistical capacity is intended to help Taiwan and regional partners minimize downtime following attacks on undersea infrastructure (Section 4).
-
Increased Maritime Safety and Awareness: Enhancing maritime domain awareness and conducting joint patrols is intended to help detect and interdict suspicious vessels or activities near critical infrastructure (Section 4).
-
Increased Infrastructure Durability: Supporting the "hardening" of cables through better materials or burial depths aims to reduce vulnerability to both natural disasters and sabotage (Section 4).
-
Economic Stability: Protecting Taiwan's connectivity helps safeguard its role in the global information and communications technology supply chain, which has a direct impact on the world's economy (Section 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Sanctions Burdens: The bill authorizes the President to block property and prohibit transactions for any foreign person or entity determined to be responsible for or facilitating the sabotage of critical undersea infrastructure (Section 6).
-
Travel Restrictions: Under the sanctions provision, certain foreign individuals may be deemed inadmissible to the United States and have their current visas revoked immediately (Section 6).
-
Impact on Business Entities: Sanctions can extend to those who provide services such as insurance, underwriting, or logistics to vessels suspected of facilitating sabotage (Section 6).
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+7Improves Cybersecurity Defense+6
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+8
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+5Good For Urban Residents+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+3Improves Roads And Bridges+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+1
- 4/28/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/27/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/2/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.
- 2 Cosponsors 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.
Pat HarriganRepublican · North Carolina
Young KimRepublican · California
Dave MinDemocrat · California
Greg StantonDemocrat · Arizona