H.R.1737 - An Act To direct the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress a report containing an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1737 directs the Secretary of Commerce to submit a report to Congress assessing the value, cost, and feasibility of a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria. The report must be submitted within one year of the Act's enactment. It will consider digital security, national security, economic opportunities, and infrastructure readiness.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be the creation of a comprehensive report outlining the potential benefits and challenges of establishing a new trans-Atlantic fiber optic cable. This report could then inform future policy decisions regarding investment in telecommunications infrastructure. Ultimately, this could lead to improved connectivity and security.
Potential Benefits 4/5
- Enhanced national security through improved telecommunications infrastructure.
- Increased economic opportunities by facilitating faster and more reliable data transfer.
- Potential for establishing a high-security data center in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Improved telecommunications infrastructure in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Strengthened international relations with Ghana and Nigeria.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with the construction and maintenance of the cable.
- Possible environmental impact from laying the cable.
- Risk of geopolitical complications depending on the entities involved.
- The report itself may require significant resources to produce.
- No guarantee that the report's findings will lead to concrete action.
Constitutional Alignment 5/5
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states. The focus on national security also aligns with the federal government's responsibility to provide for the common defense. The bill does not appear to infringe on any individual liberties or rights guaranteed by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to citizens. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).