H.R.2503 - Undersea Cable Control Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2503, the Undersea Cable Control Act, directs the President to develop a strategy, through the Secretary of Commerce and in coordination with the Secretary of State, to limit foreign adversaries' access to goods and technologies used in supporting undersea cables. The Act mandates the identification of relevant items, export controls, allied nations' market share, and ongoing negotiations for unified export policies. It also requires reports to Congress and efforts to establish agreements with allies, along with evaluations of export controls.
Expected Effects
The Act aims to enhance national security by restricting adversaries' ability to utilize undersea cables, which are critical for global communication and data transfer. This could lead to stricter export controls and increased international cooperation on technology restrictions. The Act may also prompt increased scrutiny of international standards-setting bodies.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security by limiting foreign adversaries' access to critical technology.
- Increased international cooperation on export controls.
- Promotion of U.S. leadership in international standards-setting bodies.
- Greater transparency regarding foreign adversaries' activities related to undersea cables.
- Potential for stronger cybersecurity measures for undersea cable infrastructure.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased trade tensions with countries considered foreign adversaries.
- Possible negative impact on U.S. companies that export relevant technologies.
- Risk of retaliatory measures from foreign adversaries.
- Increased bureaucratic burden due to new reporting requirements.
- Potential for delays in undersea cable projects due to stricter export controls.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of providing for the common defense and promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, which is relevant to the export control measures outlined in the bill. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual liberties or rights guaranteed 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).