WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08) and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced the bipartisan Submarine Cable Security Policy Act of 2026, which would streamline the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) permitting process for undersea cables while carefully vetting projects for national security concerns.
“Submarine cables are critical to our economy and national security, carrying the internet and communications traffic that Americans rely on every day,” said Congressman Menendez. “I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Pfluger to establish a clear and consistent permitting process, provide greater certainty for responsible projects, and ensure that cables with potential national security risks receive the scrutiny they deserve.”
“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 Pfluger.
The legislation would standardize the U.S. licensing process for undersea cables, establish national security requirements, set FCC review timelines, allow certain applicants to use self-certification and expedited review, and provide additional scrutiny for projects that raise foreign adversary or other national security concerns.
Read the full bill text here.
Congressman Rob Menendez has been a leader on protecting critical communications infrastructure, having previously introduced the AI for Secure Networks Act. Congressman Menendez has represented New Jersey’s Eighth Congressional District since 2023. He serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, including the Subcommittees on Environment, Energy, and Communications and Technology. To learn more about his work, click here.
