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.

7/15/2025, 9:26 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1737

Bill 119 HR 1737, also known as the Trans-Atlantic Submarine Fiber Optic Cable Assessment Act, aims to direct the Secretary of Commerce to provide Congress with a detailed report on the potential benefits, costs, and feasibility 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 crucial infrastructure project, enhancing communication and data transmission capabilities between these regions. The report requested by the bill would assess the economic value of such a cable, as well as the potential costs involved in its construction and maintenance. Additionally, the feasibility of implementing the project, including technical considerations and potential challenges, would be thoroughly evaluated.

This bill highlights the importance of expanding global connectivity and fostering international partnerships through advanced telecommunications infrastructure. By providing Congress with a comprehensive assessment of the proposed trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable, policymakers can make informed decisions regarding the potential benefits and challenges associated with this ambitious project.

Congressional Summary of HR 1737

This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to submit a report to Congress that assesses the feasibility, value, cost, and security implications of a submarine fiber optic cable to connect the contiguous United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria. The report must include, among other topics, an assessment of the potential establishment of a data center and high-security cloud services facility in the U.S. Virgin Islands for certain national security communications.

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Current Status of Bill HR 1737

Bill HR 1737 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since June 24, 2025. Bill HR 1737 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 27, 2025. Bill HR 1737's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of June 24, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1737

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 1737

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 1737

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.