H.R. 10695
United States Submarine Cable Security Policy Act of 2026
Summary:
• The bill establishes a "United States Submarine Cable Security Policy" to address security concerns related to licensing submarine cables connecting the U.S. to foreign nations, requiring a designated Committee to develop both standard and enhanced security measures within 180 days of enactment
• The bill transfers licensing authority for submarine cables from the President to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), setting strict timelines for application review (45 days for standard applications, 1 year if referred to the Committee) with deemed-approval provisions if deadlines are missed
• The bill creates self-certification pathways for applicants and limits the conditions the FCC may place on licenses, prohibiting requirements to enter security agreements with the Committee or obtain Committee pre-approval
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• The bill transfers licensing authority for submarine cables from the President to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), setting strict timelines for application review (45 days for standard applications, 1 year if referred to the Committee) with deemed-approval provisions if deadlines are missed
• The bill creates self-certification pathways for applicants and limits the conditions the FCC may place on licenses, prohibiting requirements to enter security agreements with the Committee or obtain Committee pre-approval
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