Politisphere

S. 2873: Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025

A Senate bill (S.) in the 119th U.S. Congress.

Overview

Congress119th U.S. Congress (2025–2026)
TypeSenate bill (S.)
Originating chamberSenate
Introduced2025-09-18
SponsorSen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
Policy areaTransportation and Public Works
Cosponsors1
Latest action2025-09-18 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Last updated2026-04-07

Summary

Official summary (Introduced in Senate, 2025-09-18):

Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025

This bill prohibits the Department of Commerce from enforcing certain permit requirements for activities related to undersea fiber optic cables in national marine sanctuaries. 

Specifically, Commerce may not prohibit or require an authorization for any covered activities related to undersea fiber optic cables if a license, lease, or permit has been issued by a state or federal agency to authorize the covered activity. Covered activities are the installation, continued presence, operation, maintenance, repair, or recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in a national marine sanctuary.

The bill also authorizes Commerce to direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to engage in interagency cooperation regarding federal agency actions that are likely to destroy, cause the loss of, or injure a resource in a national marine sanctuary and involve covered activities.  

Cosponsors (1)

NameParty / state
Eric Schmitt R MO 2025-10-01

Full text & official record

The official bill text, section-by-section summary, amendments, committee reports, and the complete legislative timeline for S. 2873 are published by Congress on congress.gov.

View S. 2873 on congress.gov →

Frequently asked questions

What is S. 2873?

S. 2873 is a Senate bill (S.) introduced in the 119th U.S. Congress, originating in the Senate. Official title: Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025.

Where can I read the full bill text?

The full text, cosponsors, amendments, and legislative status for S. 2873 are available on congress.gov.

Bill data: congress.gov API (official congressional records).