Bill Number: S 3249 | Origin Chamber: Senate | Status: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 327. | Policy Area: International Affairs
Boosts US efforts to protect undersea internet and energy cables from sabotage.
Sen. Shaheen (D-NH) and Barrasso (R-WY) introduced the bill.
Passed committee, awaiting a vote in the Senate.
This bill was introduced in the Senate by Senators Shaheen and Barrasso, then reported by the Committee on Foreign Relations with an amendment on February 10, 2026. It is now on the Senate Calendar (Calendar No. 327), meaning it has cleared its committee and is awaiting a vote by the full Senate. If passed there, it would then go to the House of Representatives for a vote before potentially becoming law.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on November 20, 2025, and reported out of the Foreign Relations Committee on February 10, 2026. It is currently on the Senate calendar, meaning it has completed committee review and is eligible for a vote by the full Senate. For it to become law, it must pass the Senate, then pass the House of Representatives, and finally be signed by the President.
If this bill becomes law, the U.S. government will increase its efforts to protect the undersea cables that carry most of the world's internet data and energy. This could lead to more stable internet connections and energy supplies by reducing the risk of outages from intentional damage. Foreign individuals or entities involved in sabotaging these crucial cables could face financial penalties and travel bans from the United States. Furthermore, the government would work more closely with private companies to share intelligence about potential threats to these vital undersea networks.
Supporters Say
This bill is crucial for national security and economic stability, safeguarding vital undersea infrastructure against growing threats like sabotage.
Critics Say
May raise concerns about the broad scope of new sanctioning authority or the cost and bureaucratic burden of increased government involvement.
Supporters of the bill emphasize the increasing frequency of reported sabotage incidents against critical undersea infrastructure, as detailed in the bill's findings, and highlight the essential role these cables play in global communication and energy. They believe that proactive measures, enhanced international coordination, and clear consequences for malicious actors are necessary to protect these vital assets. Potential concerns from critics, although not explicitly stated in the bill, could revolve around the wide-ranging application of new sanctioning powers or the financial and personnel commitments required from various government agencies.