# Representatives Propose Undersea Cable Security Standards

Representatives August Pfluger and Rob Menendez introduced the proposed Submarine Cable Security Policy Act of 2026 in early October, with the signals reporting the introduction on October 1 and October 2. The bill would standardize and streamline the Federal Communications Commission’s undersea-cable permitting process, establish security standards and review timelines, and apply heightened scrutiny to projects that raise national-security concerns. It is proposed legislation, not a contract solicitation or award.

- Cable operators and related contractors can assess how the proposed security standards, permitting changes, and national-security review could affect project planning, schedules, and bid assumptions.
- The bill would streamline licensing for trusted companies while adding scrutiny for higher-risk projects, potentially making security posture and project risk factors more consequential in the permitting process.
- The proposal does not create current compliance obligations; procurement teams should distinguish its proposed provisions from requirements already in effect.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Regulatory Compliance, Policy
**Published:** October 03, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- U.S. House of Representatives
- House Committee on Energy and Commerce

### Key Quotes
> 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.
> — August Pfluger, U.S. Representative

> Submarine cables are critical to our economy and national security, carrying the internet and communications traffic that Americans rely on every day. 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.
> — Rob Menendez, U.S. Representative

### Sources
- [
	Pfluger Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Secure Undersea Cables and Protect America's Data from Foreign Threats | U.S. Representative
](https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3050) - Pfluger House
- [Menendez Introduces Legislation to Establish Permitting Process for Undersea Cables and Protect National Security Interests | U.S. House Representative Rob Menendez](https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/menendez-introduces-legislation-to-establish-permitting-process-forundersea-cables-and-protect-national-security-interests) - Menendez