Rep. Earl L. Carter, US Representative for Georgia's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Earl L. Carter, US Representative for Georgia's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) have introduced the Undersea Cable Protection Act, a legislative proposal aimed at bolstering national security and enhancing global connectivity by safeguarding the United States' submarine cable infrastructure.
The proposed bill seeks to achieve these objectives by ensuring diversity of routes for national security, eliminating redundant permitting laws, and facilitating the deployment and maintenance of submarine cables. It also aims to preserve existing local, state, and federal permitting rules while protecting national marine sanctuaries.
"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.
Senator Blackburn added that "undersea networks are a major component of global connectivity and our digital economy." She emphasized that "the Undersea Cable Protection Act would ensure that undersea cables can be built and preserved without duplicative, burdensome, and unnecessary federal regulations."
The bill has received support from original co-sponsors including Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL), August Pfluger (R-TX), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Kat Cammack (R-FL), and Randy Weber (R-TX).
Rep. Dunn stated: "Recent developments in hybrid warfare have made it abundantly clear that protecting America’s undersea cables is crucial to our national security and economic vitality. We cannot allow overregulation to delay our ability to protect these vulnerable assets."
Rep. Pfluger highlighted the importance of undersea cables by noting their role in telecommunications: "Globally, we have seen increased attacks on undersea cables from our adversaries... The Undersea Cable Protection Act will ensure that the permitting process for undersea cable infrastructure is streamlined."
The legislation has garnered backing from industry stakeholders such as the International Connectivity Coalition, INCOMPAS, Telecommunications Industry Association, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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