Bills · HR 1737
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1737Government buildings, facilities, and propertyVirgin Islands
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.
INTRO FEB 27· LAST ACTION JUN 24
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because reliable and secure internet connections are vital for national security, economic growth, and everyday communication. If the study finds that a new cable is valuable and feasible, it could lead to better and more secure digital ties between the U.S. and West Africa, potentially strengthening economic partnerships and military communications. It also addresses concerns about the lifespan and security of existing cables to the U.S. Virgin Islands, a strategically important territory. Without this bill, a comprehensive, government-led assessment of these specific international communication infrastructure needs might not occur, leaving potential security vulnerabilities or economic opportunities unexamined.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to submit a report within one year assessing the value, cost, and feasibility of a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria.
This creates a formal requirement to study a major infrastructure project that could have significant national security and economic implications.
PROVISION 02
The report must evaluate the digital security, national security, and economic opportunities associated with such a cable.
This ensures a comprehensive analysis of the broader benefits and risks, beyond just the technical aspects.
PROVISION 03
The report must assess the lifespan of current submarine fiber optic cables connecting the U.S. Virgin Islands to the contiguous U.S. and the security of these telecommunications.
This highlights concerns about existing infrastructure and potential vulnerabilities, especially for a key U.S. territory.
PROVISION 04
The report must assess the value, cost, and feasibility of establishing a data center and high-security cloud services facility with independent power in the U.S. Virgin Islands for national security communications.
This explores a potential upgrade to critical military and security communication infrastructure in a strategic location.
PROVISION 05
The Secretary may not require any entity to provide data for the report, and the report must be submitted in unclassified form with a potential classified annex.
This sets boundaries on data collection and ensures that sensitive national security information can be included while making much of the report public.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· U.S. Virgin Islands
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
20
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
13 EVENTSJUN 24
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
JUN 23
Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
JUN 23
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2847-2848)
JUN 23
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1737.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1737
Congress119th
StatusPassed House
IntroducedFeb 27, 2025
Last actionJun 24, 2025
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PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 27, 2025
House BillHR 1737Government buildings, facilities, and propertyVirgin Islands
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.
INTRODUCED FEB 27, 2025· LAST ACTION JUN 24, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
