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US HB261
Bill
Status
Engrossed
2/12/2026
Primary Sponsor
Earl Carter
Click for details
AI Summary
- Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from banning or requiring permits for undersea fiber optic cable activities in national marine sanctuaries when already authorized by a Federal or State agency
- Covered activities include installation, continued presence, operation, maintenance, repair, and recovery of undersea fiber optic cables
- Preserves existing interagency cooperation requirements under Section 304(d) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act for Federal actions involving undersea cables
- Removes restrictions on activities covered by sanctuary special use permits by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) from Section 310(c) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act
- Passed the House of Representatives on February 11, 2026
Legislative Description
Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025
Public lands and natural resources
Last Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
2/12/2026
Committee Referrals
Commerce, Science, And Transportation2/12/2026
Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries1/21/2025
Natural Resources1/9/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available