H.R. 10695, Infrastructure Security Modernization with Streamlined Licensing. Quorum's AI analysis reads it as a trade-off: gains for some, costs for others.
H.R. 10695 · Mixed
What it does
This bill establishes a new federal security framework for submarine cables landing in the United States. It requires the FCC and a foreign-investment review committee to develop security standards (basic and enhanced) that cable operators must meet, streamlines the licensing process with automatic approval timelines, and allows some operators to self-certify compliance rather than undergo full committee review. Citizens benefit from clearer security rules protecting critical internet infrastructure; the trade-off is that some cable projects may face delays or higher compliance costs.
The analysis names submarine cable operators (faster licensing, predictable compliance costs) — and 2 more groups — among the beneficiaries.
The trade-off
Self-certification pathways allow operators meeting ownership criteria to bypass Committee review entirely, potentially reducing scrutiny of cables with foreign investment below 60% threshold.
Transparency scores 72%, with a medium warning level and no provisions unrelated to the bill's subject.
Who is behind it
Filed by August Pfluger. Cosponsored by Robert Menendez.
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