Analyst Brief March 25, 2026

H.R. 261 — Undersea Cable Protection Act (Sponsored by Rep. Carter (GA) / Natural Resources Committee)

Current Status

Reported with amendments, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

Executive Summary

H.R. 261 amends the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prevent the need for additional federal authorization for undersea fiber optic cables if those activities have already been approved by a federal or state agency. This bill aims to streamline the process for installing and maintaining critical infrastructure within national marine sanctuaries, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and potential delays. The bill has been reported with amendments and committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union. This change addresses concerns about redundant permitting processes hindering infrastructure development.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Bill Number

H. R. 261

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

Mr. DUNN of FloridaMrs. CAMMACKMrs. KIGGANS of VirginiaMr. FRYMr. PFLUGERMr. BENTZ
View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

  • Argument 1: Streamlines regulatory processes, reducing delays and costs associated with installing and maintaining undersea fiber optic cables, which are crucial for internet infrastructure and economic growth.
  • Argument 2: Clarifies the roles of federal and state agencies, preventing redundant permitting processes and promoting efficient governance.
  • Argument 3: Provides regulatory certainty for companies investing in undersea cable infrastructure, encouraging further investment and innovation.
  • Argument 4: Addresses a specific regulatory bottleneck, demonstrating responsiveness to industry concerns and promoting a business-friendly environment.

Likely Supporters

RepublicansTelecommunications companiesInfrastructure development groups

Arguments Against

  • Argument 1: Environmental groups may argue that the bill weakens environmental protections within national marine sanctuaries, potentially harming sensitive ecosystems.
  • Argument 2: Opponents may claim that the bill prioritizes industry interests over environmental conservation, setting a negative precedent for future regulations.
  • Argument 3: Concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of existing state and federal regulations to protect marine environments, potentially leading to environmental damage.
  • Argument 4: The bill could face opposition from members of Congress who prioritize environmental protection and believe that additional federal oversight is necessary.

Likely Opponents

DemocratsEnvironmental advocacy groupsMarine conservation organizations

📋 Key Provisions

  • Prohibits requiring additional authorization for undersea fiber optic cables in national marine sanctuaries if already authorized by a Federal or State agency.
  • Amends Section 310(c) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to remove restrictions on activities covered by sanctuary special use permits.
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Claim Analysis Page 1, Line 25

The bill amends the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.

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"a Federal or State agency."

Claim Analysis Page 1, Line 4

The bill prohibits requiring an authorization.

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"to prohibit requiring an authorization"

Claim Analysis Page 1, Line 6

The bill addresses undersea fiber optic cables.

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"undersea fiber optic cables in"

Claim Analysis Page 4, Line 10

The bill amends Section 310(c) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.

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"Section 310(c) of National Marine"

Claim Analysis Page 4, Line 8

The bill removes restrictions on activities covered by special use permits.

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"REMOVING RESTRICTIONS ON ACTIVITIES COVERED"