Undersea Cable Control Act
Summary
The Undersea Cable Control Act aims to protect US national security by limiting foreign adversaries' access to technology and goods used in undersea cable infrastructure. It mandates the development of a strategy, involving multiple government agencies, to identify and control the export of items essential for undersea cables. The Act also requires reports to Congress and seeks international agreements to enforce these controls.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase scrutiny over the export and transfer of technologies related to undersea cables. It may lead to stricter export controls and licensing policies, potentially impacting companies involved in the construction, maintenance, and operation of these cables. Furthermore, it could foster greater international cooperation on export controls related to critical infrastructure.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security by limiting foreign adversaries' access to critical infrastructure technology.
- Strengthened international cooperation on export controls.
- Increased transparency through required reports to Congress.
- Potential for promoting US leadership in international standards-setting bodies related to undersea cables.
- Protection of US assets and data transmitted through undersea cables.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs and delays for companies involved in undersea cable projects due to stricter export controls.
- Risk of retaliatory measures from foreign adversaries.
- Possible strain on relationships with allies if export control policies are not aligned.
- Increased administrative burden for government agencies involved in implementing the strategy.
- Potential for unintended consequences if export controls are overly broad or poorly targeted.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of providing for the common defense (Preamble) and regulating commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). The Act delegates authority to the executive branch to implement export controls, which is generally permissible as long as Congress provides clear standards and guidelines, as it does in this case.
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).