Latest action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Originating chamber has voted to pass. Sent to the other chamber.
The House voted to pass the bill. It now moves to the Senate, which repeats the committee referral and floor-vote process.
Next: Passed Both Chambers
Conference committee (if versions differ), then the President
Direct the Commerce Secretary to study a submarine fiber optic cable connecting the US to Africa.
The problem
The US lacks direct high-speed internet infrastructure to West Africa. Current connectivity relies on existing cables with limited capacity and redundancy for transatlantic communications.
The proposal
The bill requires the Secretary of Commerce to assess the value, cost, and feasibility of building a submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous US, US Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria.
The impact
Tech companies, telecommunications providers, and governments in the US and West Africa would benefit from improved internet speeds and reliability. Consumers in both regions could experience better connectivity.
A direct submarine cable would provide faster, more reliable internet between the US and West Africa. This supports business, education, and emergency communications. It reduces dependence on existing limited infrastructure.
Better internet access could attract tech companies and investment to West Africa. US businesses could expand operations more easily. Both regions could benefit from increased digital commerce and job creation.
The project strengthens US relationships with Ghana and Nigeria, major African economies. It demonstrates commitment to African development and technological advancement. Enhanced ties support diplomatic goals.
This bill only requires a feasibility study, not immediate construction. It allows policymakers to gather facts before committing resources. The study can identify risks and benefits clearly.
Submarine cables are extremely expensive to build and maintain. The study may show costs exceed available government or private funding. Financial barriers could prevent actual construction after the study.
Submarine cable installation can affect marine ecosystems and wildlife. Cable maintenance requires ongoing ocean activities. Long-term environmental impacts need careful assessment.
Private companies already operate some submarine cables between regions. Government investment might duplicate private efforts or compete unfairly. It's unclear if government funding is the best use of public money.
International submarine cables face risks from political tensions and security threats. Maintaining infrastructure across multiple nations requires complex agreements. Disputes could disrupt service.
Generated by AI from the bill text. Not a prediction and not legal or policy advice. The percentage is the model's own rating of each item — self-reported, and not a measure of how accurate it is.
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Individual contributions, grouped by employer · FEC
Where their individual donors work · 2026 cycle
Money from people who work there, not from the company. Not tied to this bill.
Itemized individual contributions via FEC, grouped by the employer each contributor self-reported. Companies and unions cannot contribute to federal candidates from their treasuries, so these totals are money from people who work at an employer — never from the organization itself. They are campaign contributions covering a full election cycle and are not connected to this bill.
Senate LDA lobbying disclosures
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