Cybersecurity Policy Report, Bill Would Direct FCC, DHS to Coordinate on Undersea Cable Security, (Oct 2, 2024)
Legislation that would establish an interagency working group led by the Department of Homeland Security and FCC to ensure the security of undersea cables has been introduced in the House.
The Undersea Cable Security and Protection Act (H.R. 9766, 118th Cong. (2024)) was offered by Rep. August Pfluger (R., Texas), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s counterterrorism, law enforcement, and intelligence subcommittee.
“Almost all global telecommunications rely on undersea cables. Our adversaries know their strategic importance, yet these cables remain significantly under-protected,” Rep. Pfluger said yesterday in a news release.
“With mounting threats of espionage, sabotage, and cyberattacks from adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran, and proxy terrorist groups such as the Houthis, it is critical that we act now to safeguard this indispensable infrastructure. My legislation ensures this issue gets the attention it deserves––before it’s too late,” he added.
The text of the bill was not immediately available, but Rep. Pfluger indicated it would require federal agencies to adopt a “whole-of-government approach” to undersea cable security.
News: FederalLegislation DataSecurity