H.R. 1737: To direct the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress a report containing an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Overview

This bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to assess the value, cost, and feasibility of constructing a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable. The cable would connect the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria. The main goal of the project is to enhance national security for the United States.

Key Provisions

• Report Requirement: Within one year of the bill becoming law, the Secretary of Commerce must submit a report to specific congressional committees. This report will evaluate the different aspects of the proposed submarine cable project.
• Assessment Elements: The report must cover several topics, including:
  • The digital security implications and economic opportunities related to the cable.
  • The lifespan and current state of existing submarine cables between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the U.S.
  • The security status of telecommunications between these areas.
  • The readiness of the telecommunications infrastructure in the U.S. Virgin Islands to support the new cable.
  • Potential partnerships with trusted entities for the project and the geopolitical advantages associated with it.
  • Connectivity opportunities for maximizing investment in the U.S. economy through this cable.
  • The value, cost, and feasibility of establishing a data center and high-security cloud services facility in the U.S. Virgin Islands for military communication needs.
  • The current state of submarine cables that connect to U.S. telecommunications infrastructure.
  • Any other relevant matters the Secretary considers appropriate.
• No Mandatory Data Collection: The Secretary cannot require any entity to supply data for the report, ensuring that participation is not mandatory.
• Report Format: The report must be unclassified but can include a classified annex for sensitive information.

Definitions

The bill defines specific terms:

• Trusted: An entity that has not been determined to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.
• Not Trusted: An entity deemed to pose an unacceptable risk based on certain criteria established in previous legislation.
• Secretary: Refers to the Secretary of Commerce and their designated representatives.

Relevant Companies

None found.