Cable Security Fleet Expansion Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8808
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-18T15:34:26Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation aims to strengthen U.S. maritime capabilities by expanding the Cable Security Fleet, which supports the protection of undersea communication cables critical to national infrastructure.
Key Provisions
- Renames the bill the "Cable Security Fleet Expansion Act."
- Requires the Cable Security Fleet to include at least 6 vessels instead of the prior limit.
- Raises the maximum annual payment per vessel from $5,000,000 to $7,000,000.
- Increases authorized funding from $10,000,000 per year (through 2035) to $56,000,000 per year (for fiscal years 2027 through 2040).
Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill updates three sections of Title 46 of the U.S. Code:
- Section 53202(a)(2) increases the fleet size requirement.
- Section 53206(a)(1) adjusts payment levels.
- Section 53209 extends and raises the funding authorization for a longer period.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Increases responsibilities and costs for agencies managing the fleet, such as the Maritime Administration, and requires additional appropriations through 2040.
- Citizens: Could enhance the security of global communications networks that support internet and data services.
- International relations: May improve protection of undersea cables that connect the U.S. to other nations, potentially affecting cooperation on infrastructure security.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Maritime companies and vessel operators eligible for fleet participation.
- Federal agencies involved in maritime security and funding.
- Industries reliant on undersea cable networks, such as telecommunications.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill makes straightforward amendments to existing maritime law without altering constitutional powers or creating new regulatory frameworks. It focuses on expanding an established program through increased funding and vessel requirements, with no apparent conflicts with current legal structures.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Luttrell, Morgan [R-TX-8], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2026-05-14: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Cable Security Fleet Expansion Act — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (2 pages)