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Undersea Cable Control Act
1/11/2024, 6:30 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1189
The bill aims to address concerns about the security and reliability of undersea cables, which are critical infrastructure for global communication networks. Under the proposed legislation, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) would be responsible for overseeing the construction, operation, and maintenance of undersea cables that connect to the United States.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure that undersea cables are not vulnerable to sabotage or interference by foreign entities. This includes requirements for cable operators to implement cybersecurity measures and to report any incidents of sabotage or unauthorized access to the FCC. Overall, the Undersea Cable Control Act seeks to protect the integrity and security of undersea cables that are vital to the functioning of the global communication network. It is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to safeguard national security and ensure the reliability of international communications.
Congressional Summary of HR 1189
Undersea Cable Control Act
The bill seeks to prevent foreign adversaries from acquiring goods and technologies capable of supporting the construction, maintenance, or operation of undersea cable projects. For the purposes of this bill, a foreign adversary is China or any foreign government or nongovernment person (entity or individual) engaged in certain conduct that significantly and adversely affects U.S. security.
The President must seek to enter into agreements with allies and partners to prevent such goods and technologies from being available to foreign adversaries.
Furthermore, the Department of Commerce must determine the appropriate level of export and transfer controls for such technologies under the Export Administration Regulations.
The bill also requires the Department of State to develop a strategy to prevent such goods and technologies from being available to foreign adversaries. The President must report annually to Congress on this strategy.
