Stopping the Theft and Destruction of Broadband Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 2784

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-09: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2026-06-25T08:09:11Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "Stopping the Theft and Destruction of Broadband Act of 2025" (H.R. 2784) aims to protect broadband internet access services by expanding federal criminal prohibitions against their destruction or injury. It updates existing law to cover modern internet infrastructure, ensuring that broadband—essential for communication and daily life—is safeguarded from intentional damage, regardless of who operates it.

Key Provisions

• Amendment to 18 U.S.C. § 1362: This federal law currently criminalizes the willful destruction or injury of U.S.-operated communication systems used for military or civil defense. The bill modifies it as follows:
• Adds broadband internet facilities as explicitly protected "means of communication."
• Extends protections to systems operated or controlled not just by the U.S. government, but by any person or entity.
• Removes the limitation to systems used only for military or civil defense functions, broadening coverage to general communication purposes.
• Definition of Broadband Internet Access Service:
• A mass-market retail service (via wire or radio) that allows data transmission to and from most internet endpoints.
• Includes related capabilities that enable the service to function.
• Excludes dial-up internet access.
• Encompasses any service the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) deems functionally equivalent.

Violations under the amended law could result in federal criminal penalties, such as fines or imprisonment, though specifics depend on existing § 1362 penalties (up to 10 years in prison for malicious acts).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expanded Scope: Previously, protections applied only to government-controlled systems for defense purposes. The bill removes these restrictions, applying to all broadband facilities operated by private companies, governments, or others.
• Inclusion of Private Infrastructure: Shifts focus from solely federal assets to broadly protecting private broadband networks, recognizing their role in national communication.
• FCC Role: Introduces FCC authority to identify equivalent services, allowing the law to adapt to technological changes without new legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The FCC gains influence in defining protected services, potentially increasing oversight of internet providers. Law enforcement (e.g., FBI) may see more cases involving broadband sabotage, requiring resources for investigation.
• On Citizens: Enhances security of everyday internet access, reducing risks of outages from vandalism or attacks, which could affect remote work, education, and emergency communications.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but could strengthen U.S. cybersecurity posture by protecting critical digital infrastructure, indirectly supporting global internet stability and deterring foreign interference.
• Broader Effects: May deter cyber-physical attacks on networks, but could lead to more federal prosecutions, potentially straining courts.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Broadband Providers: Telecom companies (e.g., Verizon, AT&T) and internet service providers benefit from federal protections but may face stricter compliance or reporting requirements.
• Internet Users: Individuals and businesses relying on broadband for connectivity, who gain safeguards against service disruptions.
• Government Entities: FCC for regulatory input; Department of Justice and law enforcement for enforcement.
• Potential Offenders: Individuals or groups (e.g., vandals, hackers, or terrorists) who might target infrastructure, now facing expanded federal liability.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: Broadens federal criminal jurisdiction over private property damage, potentially overlapping with state laws on vandalism or sabotage. Courts may need to interpret "willful" destruction in digital contexts, like cutting fiber optic cables.
• Constitutional Implications: No direct challenges noted, but expanding federal protections to private services could raise questions about federal overreach into commerce (under the Commerce Clause). It aligns with protecting critical infrastructure without restricting free speech or assembly.
• Political Implications: Reflects bipartisan concern for digital resilience amid rising cyber threats. Introduced by Rep. Lee (D-FL) and Rep. Veasey (D-TX), it signals priority on infrastructure security, possibly influencing future tech policy debates without partisan controversy in the bill text.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15]

Cosponsors (22)

Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Fallon, Pat [R-TX-4], Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Van Duyne, Beth [R-TX-24], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41], Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13], Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48], Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Rep. Kiley, Kevin [I-CA-3]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-09: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2025-04-09: Introduced in House
• 2025-04-09: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Stopping the Theft and Destruction of Broadband Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-09 — PDF (2 pages)