NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has introduced the Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025, legislation aimed at strengthening national security and global connectivity by safeguarding the United States’ submarine cable infrastructure.

The bill, introduced in the Senate and co-led in the House by U.S. Representative Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-Ga.), seeks to reduce regulatory hurdles by eliminating duplicative permitting requirements for undersea fiber optic cables that have already received federal or state authorization.

“Undersea cables are a critical component in our digital economy protecting America’s national security,” Blackburn said in a statement. “The Undersea Cable Protection Act would ensure that undersea cables can be built and preserved without duplicative, burdensome, and unnecessary federal regulations.”

What the Bill Does - The legislation amends the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, making clear that once undersea fiber optic cables are authorized by a federal or state agency, they will not face additional or duplicative permitting barriers within U.S. national marine sanctuaries. It also directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to engage in interagency cooperation on federal actions related to undersea cable operations.

Endorsements - The proposal has received endorsements from key technology and telecommunications groups, including the International Connectivity Coalition, the Internet and Competitive Networks Association, and the Telecommunications Industry Association.

“For the United States to remain a global leader in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, we must invest in secure, modern subsea cable networks that enable these breakthroughs,” said Ansley Erdel on behalf of the International Connectivity Coalition. “This legislation is not only about protecting infrastructure — it is about securing America’s position at the forefront of the digital economy.”

The bill now awaits further consideration in committee.