Undersea Cable Security and Protection Act

10/8/2024, 3:28 PM

Undersea Cable Security and Protection Act

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish an interagency working group to assess and report on the protection of commercial undersea telecommunications cables and associated landing stations in the United States. The working group shall consider threats posed by China, Iran, Russia, and other nations of concern, as well as risks posed by natural causes and accidental damage. 

The working group shall report on efforts by DHS and the Federal Communications Commission to protect undersea cables and landing stations and the roles and responsibilities of the private sector in securing undersea cables and landing stations. 

Bill 118 hr 9766, also known as the Undersea Cable Security and Protection Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of enhancing the security and protection of undersea cables that are crucial for global communication and internet connectivity.

The bill recognizes the importance of undersea cables in facilitating international communication, data transfer, and economic activity. It acknowledges that these cables are vulnerable to physical damage, sabotage, and cyber attacks, which could have serious consequences for national security and the economy.

To address these concerns, the bill proposes several measures to improve the security and protection of undersea cables. This includes requiring the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the vulnerabilities of undersea cables and develop a strategy to mitigate these risks. The bill also calls for increased coordination between federal agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international partners to enhance the security of undersea cables. It emphasizes the importance of information sharing and collaboration in detecting and responding to threats to undersea cable infrastructure. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to enhance the enforcement of laws related to the protection of undersea cables and to increase penalties for those who engage in illegal activities that threaten the security of these vital communication links. Overall, the Undersea Cable Security and Protection Act aims to strengthen the security and resilience of undersea cables to ensure the continued reliability of global communication networks. It highlights the importance of safeguarding these critical infrastructure assets and the need for proactive measures to address emerging threats in the digital age.
Congress
118
Number
HR - 9766
Introduced on
2024-09-23
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

9/23/2024
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Undersea Cable Security and Protection Act

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish an interagency working group to assess and report on the protection of commercial undersea telecommunications cables and associated landing stations in the United States. The working group shall consider threats posed by China, Iran, Russia, and other nations of concern, as well as risks posed by natural causes and accidental damage. 

The working group shall report on efforts by DHS and the Federal Communications Commission to protect undersea cables and landing stations and the roles and responsibilities of the private sector in securing undersea cables and landing stations. 

Bill 118 hr 9766, also known as the Undersea Cable Security and Protection Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of enhancing the security and protection of undersea cables that are crucial for global communication and internet connectivity.

The bill recognizes the importance of undersea cables in facilitating international communication, data transfer, and economic activity. It acknowledges that these cables are vulnerable to physical damage, sabotage, and cyber attacks, which could have serious consequences for national security and the economy.

To address these concerns, the bill proposes several measures to improve the security and protection of undersea cables. This includes requiring the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the vulnerabilities of undersea cables and develop a strategy to mitigate these risks. The bill also calls for increased coordination between federal agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international partners to enhance the security of undersea cables. It emphasizes the importance of information sharing and collaboration in detecting and responding to threats to undersea cable infrastructure. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to enhance the enforcement of laws related to the protection of undersea cables and to increase penalties for those who engage in illegal activities that threaten the security of these vital communication links. Overall, the Undersea Cable Security and Protection Act aims to strengthen the security and resilience of undersea cables to ensure the continued reliability of global communication networks. It highlights the importance of safeguarding these critical infrastructure assets and the need for proactive measures to address emerging threats in the digital age.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo establish an interagency working group to ensure the security, resiliency, and integrity of undersea cables, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Science, Technology, Communications

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary12/4/2024

Undersea Cable Security and Protection Act

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish an interagency working group to assess and report on the protection of commercial undersea telecommunicatio...

Latest Action9/23/2024
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within...