Search people, articles, bills, and more
The House passed the Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025, which streamlines the permitting process for undersea fiber optic cables in protected marine areas. The bill passed with a narrow 218-212 margin, split largely along party lines.
This vote was on H.R. 261, the Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025. The bill aims to simplify the process for installing and maintaining undersea fiber optic cables within national marine sanctuaries. It does this by preventing the Secretary of Commerce from blocking these projects or requiring additional permits if another federal or state agency has already approved the work. The bill also removes certain powers of the Secretary to restrict access to or set specific conditions for activities in these protected ocean areas. This was a final passage vote in the House of Representatives. In the U.S. Congress, a bill must pass both the House and the Senate in identical form before it can be sent to the President to become law. This specific vote required a simple majority — meaning more "yes" votes than "no" votes — to succeed. The bill passed by a very slim margin of just two votes, reflecting a sharp divide between the two major parties. Republicans generally supported the measure as a way to reduce red tape and speed up the maintenance of critical internet infrastructure. Most Democrats voted against it, citing concerns that reducing the Department of Commerce's oversight could weaken environmental protections for sensitive marine ecosystems. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
The bill has been sent to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for review.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. This bill attempts to speed up the repair and deployment of undersea cables, which carry the vast majority of international internet traffic, by removing certain environmental review steps.
Who’s affected. Telecommunications companies: Would experience a faster and less complex permitting process for undersea cable projects. · Environmental agencies: The Secretary of Commerce would lose some authority to manage or restrict activities within national marine sanctuaries. · Internet users: Could see improved network reliability due to faster repairs of undersea infrastructure.
Democrats. Most Democrats opposed the bill, likely due to concerns over reduced environmental oversight in protected marine areas.
Republicans. Republicans almost unanimously supported the bill as a means to reduce regulatory hurdles for critical communication infrastructure.
On Passage
Feb 11, 2026
The House passed the Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025, which streamlines the permitting process for undersea fiber optic cables in protected marine areas.
The bill passed with a narrow 218-212 margin, split largely along party lines.
This is a final vote to decide whether the House of Representatives approves the bill. Since it passed, the bill moves to the Senate for further consideration.
The bill has been sent to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for review.
This bill attempts to speed up the repair and deployment of undersea cables, which carry the vast majority of international internet traffic, by removing certain environmental review steps.
The vote followed strict party lines, with Republicans providing nearly all the support and Democrats nearly all the opposition.
Most Democrats opposed the bill, likely due to concerns over reduced environmental oversight in protected marine areas.
Republicans almost unanimously supported the bill as a means to reduce regulatory hurdles for critical communication infrastructure.
The single Independent member who voted supported the bill.