Proposed Study on Trans-Atlantic Submarine Fiber Optic Cable

The Frame

What this does

This amendment directs the Trade and Development Agency to evaluate the costs and national security benefits of a new trans-Atlantic cable, which could influence future federal infrastructure spending and telecommunications policy.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Trade and Development Agency

The agency is tasked with conducting the assessment and submitting the report to Congress.

Telecommunications infrastructure providers

These entities are the subject of the assessment regarding the state of submarine cables and potential future deployment.

What changed

Last recorded activity June 24, 2026.

What's next

Next step not available in the current record.

Summary

Senators Warnock and Kennedy have proposed an amendment to the 2027 defense authorization bill requiring a study on the feasibility of a new connecting the U.S. to Western Africa. The report would assess the national security, economic, and digital security implications of such a project.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of this proposed cable?

The cable is intended to enhance U.S. national security and explore economic and digital security opportunities between the U.S. and Western Africa.

Will this report be public?

Yes, the amendment requires the report to be submitted in unclassified form, though it may include a classified annex.

Can the government force companies to provide data for this study?

No, the amendment explicitly states that the Director may not require any entity to provide data for the report.

Why It Matters

This amendment directs the Trade and Development Agency to evaluate the costs and national security benefits of a new trans-Atlantic cable, which could influence future federal infrastructure spending and telecommunications policy.

News Coverage

No news coverage found yet. Articles are indexed twice daily.

Related Legislation

congressional_record

Senate Scheduling Update for S. 4784

The Senate has agreed to delay the vote on a cloture motion for S. 4784 until after the confirmation vote for the Schwartz nomination. This procedural

Connected Entities

organizationHouse Committee on Ways and Means“One of the committees to receive the report.”Map →

organizationHouse Committee on Foreign Affairs“One of the committees to receive the report.”Map →

personMr. Kennedy“U.S. Senator who co-sponsored the amendment.”Map →

personMr. Warnock“U.S. Senator who submitted the amendment.”Map →

organizationSenate Committee on Foreign Relations“One of the committees to receive the report.”Map →

organizationSenate Committee on Finance“One of the committees to receive the report.”Map →

organizationTrade and Development Agency“The agency responsible for conducting the proposed assessment.”Map →

Sources

Open source document

www.govinfo.gov

Analysis Score

0–100

Significance45
How much this matters to a regular citizen
Controversy10
Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
Entertainment5
Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
Buzz15
Current news / social attention level