House · HR 261 · 119th Congress
Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025
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Summary
This bill stops the Department of Commerce from blocking or requiring permits for undersea fiber optic cables in national marine sanctuaries. It applies when another federal or state agency has already approved the cable work. It affects cable companies, marine sanctuaries, and the agency that oversees them.
In Favor
Undersea cables carry internet and phone service to millions of people. Right now, cable projects can face long delays from a separate permit process even after other agencies approve them. This bill cuts that extra step and helps critical communications reach people faster.
Against
This bill removes NOAA's independent review of how cables are physically installed in protected marine areas. Without that check, harmful methods could go unchallenged, as when a broken drill left steel pipe and thousands of gallons of fluid on a sanctuary floor. Cable companies would also avoid fair-use fees for public marine resources.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
The bill stops the Department of Commerce from blocking or requiring its own permits for undersea fiber optic cable work in national marine sanctuaries, as long as another federal or state agency has already issued a permit.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The bill also removes two existing rules that apply to all special use permits in sanctuaries, including a five-year renewal requirement and a rule requiring that permitted activities not destroy or injure sanctuary resources.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
Cable companies working in national marine sanctuaries no longer need a Commerce Department permit if they hold one from another agency. The Commerce Department loses its authority to review those cable projects and charge fees for sanctuary use.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill removes Commerce's authority to charge fees for cable work in sanctuaries. No dollar amount is authorized or appropriated by the bill, and no cost estimate from CBO or a committee appears in the sources.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
The bill does not list which agency permits, leases, or licenses would qualify, which could create uncertainty about which approvals are sufficient. Removing the five-year renewal requirement also ends the check that previously confirmed ongoing cable activities still met sanctuary standards.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 6/5/2026