US Congress · 119th Congress (2025-2026)

HR 261In Second Chamber

Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025

Source of recordUS Congress · congress.govLast synced Jul 14, 2026

Chamber

House

Progress

Where this bill stands in the legislative process.

Introduced
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became Law

Overview

This bill changes how the Department of Commerce handles undersea fiber optic cables within national marine sanctuaries. It prevents the Commerce Department from requiring additional authorizations for cables that have already been authorized by state or federal agencies. The bill also encourages collaboration between federal agencies to protect resources within these sanctuaries when undersea cable activities are involved.

Key provisions

Prohibits Commerce from requiring additional authorizations for existing undersea fiber optic cable installations.
Allows for continued operation, maintenance, repair, and recovery of authorized cables.
Directs NOAA to facilitate interagency cooperation regarding potential impacts on marine sanctuary resources.
Applies to activities within national marine sanctuaries.
Specifically addresses undersea fiber optic cables.

Who is affected

Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
State Agencies
Owners and Operators of Undersea Fiber Optic Cables
National Marine Sanctuaries

Notable changes

Modifies the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prioritize existing authorizations.
Creates a mechanism for interagency coordination to minimize harm to marine sanctuaries.

Bill text

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Jan 9, 2025XMLView source

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Legislative history

27 recorded actions · showing the most recent 12

Feb 11, 2026

Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 212 (Roll no. 67).

Feb 11, 2026House

On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 216 (Roll no. 66).

Feb 11, 2026House

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2169-2171)

Feb 11, 2026House

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 261, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Carbajal demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.

Feb 11, 2026House

The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.

Feb 11, 2026House

Mr. Carbajal moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H2166)

Feb 11, 2026House

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

Feb 11, 2026House

DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 261.

Feb 11, 2026House

Rule provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one motion to recommit H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617, and one motion to commit S. 1383.

Feb 11, 2026House

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1057. (consideration: CR H2161-2166)

Feb 11, 2026House

Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1057 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one motion to recommit H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617, and one motion to commit S. 1383.

Feb 12, 2026Senate

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Votes

Recorded roll calls and chamber actions on this bill.

Vote map

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Nay

Yea

Floor votes and chamber actions

Recorded roll calls list how each member voted. Unanimous consent or voice vote appears in the official action history without a roll call; no member-level tally is available for those steps.

Recorded roll calls

Geography

Recorded positions across the country.

No public positions recorded for this legislation.

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Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025

Progress