Passed in the House on February 11, 2026 · 218 Yea, 212 Nay, 2 Not Voting
Question: On Passage: H R 261 Undersea Cable Protection Act
In plain English: This bill prevents the Department of Commerce from blocking or requiring permits for undersea fiber optic cable activities in marine sanctuaries if another government agency has already approved them. It also allows Commerce to work with other agencies on actions that might harm sanctuary resources related to these cables.
Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025 This bill prohibits the Department of Commerce from enforcing certain permit requirements for activities related to undersea fiber optic cables in national marine sanctuaries. Specifically, Commerce may not prohibit or require an authorization for any covered activities related to undersea fiber optic cables if a license, lease, or permit has been issued by a state or federal agency to authorize the covered activity. Covered activities are the installatio…