Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries today held a legislative hearing on the Undersea Cable Protection Act, led by Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), a bill that strengthens national security and global connectivity by safeguarding the United States’ submarine cable infrastructure.

The bill accomplishes these goals by ensuring diversity of routes for national security, eliminating duplicative permitting laws, and promoting rather than delaying the deployment and maintenance of submarine cables. It also preserves existing local, state, and federal permitting rules and protects national marine sanctuaries.

“President Trump has a mandate to strengthen our national security and increase efficiency. The Undersea Cable Protection Act advances these priorities by safeguarding our nation’s submarine cables against attacks from hostile foreign nations and streamlining the permitting process. I am proud to partner with Senator Blackburn on this vital legislation that will make the world safer and more connected than ever before,” said Rep. Carter.  

“Undersea networks are a major component of global connectivity and our digital economy,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Undersea Cable Protection Act would ensure that undersea cables can be built and preserved without duplicative, burdensome, and unnecessary federal regulations.”

The bill boasts support from industry stakeholders, including the International Connectivity Coalition, INCOMPAS, Telecommunications Industry Association, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Read the full bill text here.

Download one-pager here.

Watch Rep. Carter’s remarks here.