U.S. Senator John Barrasso, serving as Senate Majority Whip, addressed the chamber Thursday to advocate for passage of the Strategic Subsea Cables Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at securing critical underwater infrastructure. Subsea cables—fiber optic lines laid on the ocean floor—form the backbone of global internet communication and connectivity.
Barrasso framed the legislation as a national security imperative, arguing that hostile nations have begun targeting and sabotaging these vital cables. He contended that the bill would strengthen both economic resilience and military preparedness by establishing protections and repair mechanisms for subsea infrastructure.
In closing remarks, Barrasso warned that adversaries view the ocean floor as an emerging theater of conflict. He characterized the Strategic Subsea Cables Act as essential to preventing foreign powers from weaponizing underwater infrastructure and maintaining American security in the digital domain.
