To direct the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress a report containing an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria.

3/18/2024, 10:22 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3385

Bill 118 hr 3385, also known as the Trans-Atlantic Submarine Fiber Optic Cable Assessment Act, aims to direct the Secretary of Commerce to provide Congress with a report that evaluates the potential benefits, expenses, and practicality of establishing a submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria.

The proposed cable would serve as a means of enhancing communication and data transmission capabilities between these regions, potentially improving economic opportunities and fostering stronger international relationships. The report requested by this bill would analyze the value of such a project, including its potential impact on trade, security, and technological advancement.

Additionally, the report would assess the costs associated with laying and maintaining the cable, as well as the feasibility of implementing such a project from a logistical and technical standpoint. This information would be crucial in determining whether the benefits of the cable outweigh the expenses and challenges involved in its construction and operation. Overall, Bill 118 hr 3385 seeks to provide Congress with a comprehensive analysis of the potential benefits and drawbacks of establishing a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable, allowing lawmakers to make informed decisions regarding the future of telecommunications infrastructure between the United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Congressional Summary of HR 3385

DiasporaLink Act

This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to report on the feasibility of developing a submarine fiber optic cable to connect the contiguous United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria. In particular, the report must assess the cost, value, and security implications of the cable.

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Current Status of Bill HR 3385

Bill HR 3385 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since March 6, 2024. Bill HR 3385 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on May 16, 2023. Bill HR 3385's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of March 6, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3385

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3385

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Potential Impact Areas

- Broadcasting, cable, digital technologies

- Government buildings, facilities, and property

- Government studies and investigations

- Virgin Islands

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3385

To direct the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress a report containing an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria.

To direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to submit to Congress a report containing an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of developing a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria, and for other purposes.

DiasporaLink Act