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.

Full bill text →

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SubjectsBroadcasting, cable, digital technologiesMarine and coastal resources, fisheries

XML scalars

congress: 119
type: HR
number: 261
originChamber: House
originChamberCode: H
introducedDate: 2025-01-09
updateDate: 2026-09-08T18:03:40Z
updateDateIncludingText: 2026-09-08T18:03:40Z
title: Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025
legislationUrl: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/261

Constitutional authority statement (CDATA)

[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 5 (Thursday, January 9, 2025)][House]From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]By Mr. CARTER of Georgia:H.R. 261.Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuantto the following:Congress is granted the authority to introduce and enactthis legislation pursuant to Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S.Constitution[Page H92]

Pipeline

Track

federal_terminal

Stage

Final Outcome

Stage rank

Sponsor

Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1] · [R-GA-1] · C001103
Rep-GA-1 current · 6 terms · @RepBuddyCarter · 2 district offices

Sponsor record (congress_legislators)

Bio (legislators)

bioguide

C001103

status

current

official_full

Earl L. "Buddy" Carter

first

Earl

middle

last

Carter

suffix

null

nickname

Buddy

birthday

1957-09-06

gender

Current term (6 total)

type

rep

state

district

class

null

party

Republican

caucus

null

start

2025-01-03

end

2027-01-03

end_type

null

how

null

url

https://buddycarter.house.gov

address

2432 Rayburn House Office Building Washington DC 20515-1001

office

2432 Rayburn House Office Building

phone

202-225-5831

fax

null

contact_form

null

rss_url

null

Leadership roles (0)

none

Committee memberships (5)

Communications and Technology (house) · house · rank 6
Environment (house) · house · rank 5
Health (house) · house · rank 4
House Committee on Energy and Commerce (house) · house · rank 6 · site
House Committee on the Budget (house) · house · rank 6 · site

Social media

Twitter: @RepBuddyCarter
Facebook: @congressmanbuddycarter
Instagram: @repbuddycarter

District offices (2)

6602 Abercorn St., Suite 105B, Savannah, GA, 31405 · 912-352-0101 · fax 912-352-0105 · 32.017594,-81.11040299999999
777 Gloucester Street, Suite 410, Brunswick, GA, 31520 · 912-265-9010 · fax 912-265-9013 · 31.15005,-81.49307019999999

Other names (0)

none

Sponsor FEC record (fec_live)

Candidate record (candidates) · cycle 2026

candidate_id

H4GA01039

cycle

2026

name

CARTER, EARL LEROY

party

REPUBLICAN PARTY

office

House

state

district

incumbent_challenge

Incumbent

candidate_status

active_through

2026

election_year

null

first_file_date

2013-04-23

last_file_date

2024-11-18

last_f2_date

2024-11-18

address

null

Candidate summary (candidate_summaries) · cycle 2026

cycle

2026

total_receipts

null

total_disbursements

null

cash_on_hand_end_period

$0.00

debts_owed_by_committee

$0.00

coverage_start_date

null

coverage_end_date

null

Connected committees (0)

none

Cosponsors (7)

Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2] · [R-FL-2] · D000628 · Co-sponsored 2025-01-09 · original
Rep-FL-2 current · 5 terms · @DrNealDunnFL2 · 2 district offices
Rep. Cammack, Kat [R-FL-3] · [R-FL-3] · C001039 · Co-sponsored 2025-01-09 · original
Rep-FL-3 current · 3 terms · @RepKatCammack · 1 district office
Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2] · [R-VA-2] · K000399 · Co-sponsored 2025-01-09 · original
Rep-VA-2 current · 2 terms · @RepJenKiggans · 3 district offices
Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7] · [R-SC-7] · F000478 · Co-sponsored 2025-01-09 · original
Rep-SC-7 current · 2 terms · @RepRussellFry · 2 district offices
Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11] · [R-TX-11] · P000048 · Co-sponsored 2025-01-09 · original
Rep-TX-11 current · 3 terms · @RepPfluger · 6 district offices
Rep. Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2] · [R-OR-2] · B000668 · Co-sponsored 2025-02-12
Rep-OR-2 current · 3 terms · @RepBentz · 2 district offices
Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large] · [R-AK-0] · B001323 · Co-sponsored 2025-06-25
Rep-AK current · 1 term · @repnickbegich · 1 district office

Committees (2)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee [Senate Standing]
2026-02-12T20:44:48ZReferred To
Natural Resources Committee [House Standing]
2026-02-11T23:24:22ZUnknown
2026-02-11T21:45:03ZUnknown
2025-07-02T13:26:29ZReported By
2025-06-25T20:27:27ZMarkup By
2025-06-25T20:27:19ZDischarged from
2025-01-09T14:30:15ZReferred To
↳ Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee

Actions — from XML (27)

2026-02-12IntroReferralvia Senate
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
2026-02-11 18:30:32FloorH38800via House floor actions
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
2026-02-11 18:30:28FloorH38310via House floor actions
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-02-11 18:30:27FloorH37100via House floor actions
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 212 (Roll no. 67). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2162)
VoteHouse roll 67 — source
2026-02-11 18:30:27Floor8000via Library of Congress
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 212 (Roll no. 67).
VoteHouse roll 67 — source
2026-02-11 18:24:22FloorH36210via House floor actions
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 216 (Roll no. 66).
VoteHouse roll 66 — source
2026-02-11 18:18:20FloorH30000via House floor actions
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2169-2171)
2026-02-11 16:45:23FloorH8D000via House floor actions
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 261, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Carbajal demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
2026-02-11 16:45:14FloorH8A000via House floor actions
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
2026-02-11 16:45:03FloorH36200via House floor actions
Mr. Carbajal moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H2166)
2026-02-11 16:44:23FloorH35000via House floor actions
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2026-02-11 16:09:04FloorH8D000via House floor actions
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 261.
2026-02-11 16:08:46FloorH8D000via House floor actions
Rule provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one motion to recommit H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617, and one motion to commit S. 1383.
2026-02-11 16:08:41FloorH30000via House floor actions
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1057. (consideration: CR H2161-2166)
2026-02-11 10:46:51FloorH1L210via House floor actions
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1057 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one motion to recommit H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617, and one motion to commit S. 1383.
2026-02-09 20:50:17FloorH1L210via House floor actions
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1042 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
2025-07-02CalendarsH12410via House floor actions
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 146.
2025-07-02CommitteeH12200via House floor actions
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-181.
2025-07-02Committee5000via Library of Congress
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-181.
2025-06-25Committeevia House committee actions
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 18.
2025-06-25Committeevia House committee actions
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-06-25Committeevia House committee actions
Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
2025-01-23Committeevia House committee actions
Subcommittee Hearings Held
2025-01-21Committeevia House committee actions
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
2025-01-09IntroReferralH11100via House floor actions
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
2025-01-09IntroReferralIntro-Hvia Library of Congress
Introduced in House
2025-01-09IntroReferral1000via Library of Congress
Introduced in House

Actions — from bill_actions table (0)

none

Titles

Short Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill textRFSS2026-02-14T04:38:25Z
Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025
Display Title2026-02-13T04:43:25Z
Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025
Official Titles from EH (Engrossed in House) bill textEHH2026-02-13T04:43:24Z
To amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prohibit the Secretary of Commerce from prohibiting, or requiring any permit or other authorization for, the installation, continued presence, operation, maintenance, repair, or recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in a national marine sanctuary if such activities have been authorized by a Federal or State agency.
Short Title(s) as Passed HouseEHH2026-02-13T04:43:24Z
Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025
Official Titles as Amended by HouseH2026-02-12T13:10:33Z
To amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prohibit the Secretary of Commerce from prohibiting, or requiring any permit or other authorization for, the installation, continued presence, operation, maintenance, repair, or recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in a national marine sanctuary if such activities have been authorized by a Federal or State agency
Short Title(s) as Reported to HouseRHH2025-07-04T02:23:19Z
Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025
Short Title(s) as IntroducedIH2025-02-05T02:23:16Z
Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025
Official Title as IntroducedIH2025-02-05T02:18:30Z
To amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prohibit requiring an authorization for the installation, continued presence, operation, maintenance, repair, or recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in a national marine sanctuary if such activities have previously been authorized by a Federal or State agency.

Text versions (from XML)

Referred in Senate2026-02-12T05:00:00Z
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr261rfs/xml/BILLS-119hr261rfs.xml
Engrossed in House2026-02-11T05:00:00Z
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr261eh/xml/BILLS-119hr261eh.xml
Reported in House2025-07-02T04:00:00Z
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr261rh/xml/BILLS-119hr261rh.xml
Introduced in House2025-01-09T05:00:00Z
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr261ih/xml/BILLS-119hr261ih.xml

Versions — from bill_versions table (0)

none

Policy area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Summaries

00 · 2025-01-09 · Introduced in House

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.

Related bills

HRES 1042 (119) Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2189) to modernize Federal firearms laws to account for advancements in technology and less-than-lethal weapons, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 261) to amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prohibit requiring an authorization for the installation, continued presence, operation, maintenance, repair, or recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in a national marine sanctuary if such activities have previously been authorized by a Federal or State agency; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3617) to amend the Department of Energy Organization Act to secure the supply of critical energy resources, including critical minerals and other materials, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.
Latest: 2026-02-10 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Relationship: Related bill (via House), Procedurally related (via House)
HRES 1057 (119) Providing for consideration of the bill (S. 1383) to establish the Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2189) to modernize Federal firearms laws to account for advancements in technology and less-than-lethal weapons, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 261) to amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prohibit requiring an authorization for the installation, continued presence, operation, maintenance, repair, or recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in a national marine sanctuary if such activities have previously been authorized by a Federal or State agency; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3617) to amend the Department of Energy Organization Act to secure the supply of critical energy resources, including critical minerals and other materials, and for other purposes; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.
Latest: 2026-02-11 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Relationship: Related bill (via House), Procedurally related (via House)
S 2873 (119) Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025
Latest: 2025-09-18 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Relationship: Identical bill (via CRS)

Amendments (1)

HAMDT 165 (119)
Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1057, the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill is considered adopted.
Submitted 2026-02-11T05:00:00Z
Chamber: House of Representatives
Amends: HR 261 (119)
Latest: 2026-02-11 — On agreeing to the Rules amendment (A001) Agreed to without objection.
Sponsors
- null

Laws

none

Committee reports

H. Rept. 119-181

Calendar number

null

CBO cost estimates

H.R. 261, Undersea Cable Protection Act of 20252026-02-06T16:58:00Z
https://www.cbo.gov/publication/62090
As reported by the House Committee on Natural Resources on July 2, 2025

Latest action

Date

2026-02-12

Text

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Time

null

Dublin Core

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text/xml

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rights

Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

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Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress

description

This file contains bill summaries and statuses for federal legislation. A bill summary describes the most significant provisions of a piece of legislation and details the effects the legislative text may have on current law and federal programs. Bill summaries are authored by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) of the Library of Congress. As stated in Public Law 91-510 (2 USC 166 (d)(6)), one of the duties of CRS is "to prepare summaries and digests of bills and resolutions of a public general nature introduced in the Senate or House of Representatives". For more information, refer to the User Guide that accompanies this file.

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Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025

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Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]

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2025-01-09

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2026-02-12

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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

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Committee

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]

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⎔ Anchored0x0000…0000Epoch 2026-Q4