11/21/2024 | Press release | Archived content
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Representative Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-Ga.) introduced the Undersea Cable Protection Act, 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.
"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."
"As we've just seen in the Baltic Sea, submarine cables are a critical part of any nation's infrastructure and subject to attack from hostile foreign nations. Unfortunately, our current protections against these threats are insufficient. I am proud to partner with Senator Blackburn on this vital legislation that will make the world safer and more connected than ever before, while enhancing government efficiency," said Rep. Carter.
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Read the full bill text here.