H.R.1737 - 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 prepare a report 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 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate within one year of the Act's enactment. The goal is to enhance U.S. national security through improved telecommunications infrastructure.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill will lead to a comprehensive assessment of the proposed fiber optic cable project. This assessment will inform Congress about the potential benefits, costs, and challenges associated with the project. Ultimately, the report will help determine whether to pursue the project further.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security through improved telecommunications infrastructure.
- Potential economic opportunities for the United States and partner nations.
- Improved digital security and telecommunications between the U.S. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Potential for establishing a high-security data center in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Increased connectivity and maximization of investments in the U.S. economy.
Potential Disadvantages
- The report itself may incur costs related to data collection and analysis.
- The project's feasibility is uncertain, and the report may reveal significant obstacles.
- Potential geopolitical risks associated with engaging with specific entities in the deployment of the cable.
- The report may highlight vulnerabilities in existing telecommunications infrastructure.
- There is no guarantee that the project will proceed after the report is submitted.
Constitutional Alignment
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 bill's focus on national security also aligns with the federal government's responsibility to provide for the common defense, as outlined in the Preamble. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).