Wilson and Meeks Introduce ‘Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026’

Washington, DC – Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) introduced the bipartisan ‘Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026’ to enhance the U.S. government’s international engagement as it relates to the security, installation, maintenance, and repair of subsea fiber-optic cables. The bill calls for increased U.S. government engagement in certain international bodies related to subsea cables and calls for additional investments in Department of State resources to advance U.S. interests on subsea cables. 

“Russia and China are attacking our critical infrastructure. Using sabotage, terrorism, and other underhanded tactics, they seek to weaken us below the threshold of all-out war. We must ensure we have the tools to counter this shadow warfare—this legislation provides that. I am grateful to partner with Ranking Member Shaheen, Senator Barrasso, and Ranking Member Meeks to advance this legislation,” said Rep. Wilson.

"Subsea cables underpin all modern civilian and military infrastructure. The United States and our allies and partners must be prepared to deter and combat attacks by Russia and China on this crucial technology. Stopping subsea cable sabotage is vital to our national security, and this bill puts the economic weight of the U.S. government behind these efforts. I am proud to partner with Rep. Wilson and our bipartisan Senate colleagues on this important legislation,” said Rep. Meeks. 

Key provisions of the bill:

• Calls for increased diplomatic efforts with U.S. allies and partners to address the security, maintenance and repair of subsea fiber-optic cables, including by requiring the Department of State to hire at least two dedicated, full-time staff to advance these efforts;
• Strengthens U.S. government engagement in international bodies such as the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) to advance U.S. interests;
• Requires the President to impose sanctions against foreign individuals who have intentionally damaged subsea fiber-optic cables;
• Requires the President to establish an interagency committee to coordinate efforts related to subsea fiber-optic cables and mandates a federal strategy to work with industry partners, streamline permitting and to prepare for malicious threats and;
• Requires federal agencies to develop procedures to ensure the timely communication of threat information with private subsea cable operators and owners to improve their situational awareness and prepare protective measures.

The full text of the bill is available here.  

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