# Senators Introduce Telecom Infrastructure Protection Bill

On October 9, 2026, Senators Alex Padilla and Eric Schmitt introduced the bipartisan Combating Critical Infrastructure Vandalism Act (S. 5617). The bill would extend federal criminal protections to privately operated communications infrastructure, including copper, fiber, and coaxial cables, to address theft and vandalism. It is proposed legislation, not an enacted requirement, and the announcement identifies no contract or funding opportunity.

- Telecom and broadband operators, infrastructure owners, and network-security contractors can assess how the proposed protections relate to their infrastructure and security services.
- Procurement professionals should distinguish this legislative proposal from an active solicitation: it creates no announced procurement or funding opportunity.
- Because the bill is under consideration, affected organizations can follow its progress for potential changes to protections covering privately operated communications assets.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Policy
**Published:** October 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Senate (U.S. Senate)
- United States Congress (Congress)

### Key Quotes
> Californians and consumers across the country deserve protection from the critical infrastructure attacks that have driven up service costs and disrupted internet service.
> — Alex Padilla, U.S. Senator

> America’s broadband networks are the backbone of our small businesses, hospitals, schools, and homes, and this legislation is an important step to securing them.
> — Elad Nafshi, Chief Network Officer at Comcast

### Sources
- [Padilla, Schmitt Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Critical Infrastructure from Theft and Vandalism - Senator Alex Padilla](https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schmitt-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-critical-infrastructure-from-theft-and-vandalism/) - Padilla Senate