I will strengthen defenses against foreign threats to undersea cables and keep bad actors out of critical communications infrastructure.

By setting uniform security standards, the bill strengthens our defenses against foreign threats while reducing regulatory uncertainty for American businesses. "Our foreign adversaries are investing in the undersea cables that carry over 95% of our international data, and they're doing it to undermine our national and economic security. The United States Submarine Cable Security Policy Act of 2026 sets clear, consistent security standards so we can keep bad actors out of our critical infrastructure," said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).

Pfluger said his bill would set consistent security standards to keep foreign bad actors out of critical undersea cable infrastructure.

Pfluger Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Secure Undersea Cables and Protect America's Data from Foreign Threats | U.S. Representative
primary · press_release · model gpt-5.5

verified · Source version 83950 · locator 1528

introduced bipartisan legislation to establish clear, standardized security requirements for submarine cables landing in the United States

Fetched verbatim passage. AI summary (separate from source): Within the lookback window, Pfluger announced a new bipartisan bill aimed at undersea-cable security, but introduction alone is not enactment.

unresolved unknown A for effort

Pfluger Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Secure Undersea Cables and Protect America's Data from Foreign Threats | U.S. Representative
primary · model gpt-5.5 · confidence 92%

unverified · Source version 83957 · locator unknown

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Unverified model/legacy excerpt; not proof. AI summary (separate from source): H.R. 10695 had only been introduced and referred as of October 1, 2026; its text would require submarine-cable security policies and measures if enacted.

unresolved unknown A for effort

United States Submarine Cable Security Policy Act of 2026
secondary · model gpt-5.5 · confidence 84%

verified · Source version 83963 · locator 1891

These rules are effective September 25, 2026

Fetched verbatim passage. AI summary (separate from source): A related FCC final rule took effect during the lookback window and added SLTE licensing, routine conditions, reporting, and national-security certifications for submarine cables, indicating partial policy delivery at the agency level.

partial unknown

Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 142 (Monday, July 27, 2026)
secondary · model gpt-5.5 · confidence 78%

verified · Source version 83965 · locator 7285

preclude the grant of applications filed by any entity owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary

Fetched verbatim passage. AI summary (separate from source): The FCC adopted earlier submarine-cable licensing rules targeting foreign-adversary threats, including presumptive denial and covered-equipment/cybersecurity requirements; this supports partial substantive delivery, though not necessarily through Pfluger legislation.

partial unknown

Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 205 (Monday, October 27, 2025)
secondary · model gpt-5.5 · confidence 80%

unverified · Source version 83967 · locator unknown

Pfluger | Republican | TX | Yea

Unverified model/legacy excerpt; not proof. AI summary (separate from source): Pfluger voted for H.R. 261, the Undersea Cable Protection Act, which passed the House but was not shown enacted; this is concrete legislative effort, not full delivery.

unresolved unknown A for effort

Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives
secondary · model gpt-5.5 · confidence 93%

verified · Source version 83969 · locator 1688

To establish an interagency working group to ensure the security, resiliency, and integrity of undersea cables

Fetched verbatim passage. AI summary (separate from source): Pfluger previously introduced undersea-cable security legislation in the 118th Congress, showing earlier effort, but the record cited only introduction and referral.

unresolved unknown A for effort

H.R. 9766 (IH) - Undersea Cable Security and Protection Act - BILLS-118hr9766ih | Content Details | GovInfo
secondary · model gpt-5.5 · confidence 90%