Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) called for the passage of the Strategic Subsea Cables Act in remarks delivered April 30. The bipartisan legislation, introduced with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), aims to protect and repair critical undersea cables that are vital to America’s economy and national security.
The issue is significant as undersea fiber-optic cables carry most of the world’s internet traffic and support trillions in daily financial transactions. Barrasso said these cables are increasingly threatened by foreign adversaries such as Russia and China, who have allegedly engaged in sabotage efforts. “Life as we know it would be very different without the internet. That raises an important question: How does it get into our homes? For most users around the world, the internet travels to them from the ocean floor,” Barrasso said during his prepared remarks.
Barrasso described undersea cables as essential yet vulnerable infrastructure that supports not only communications but also military operations and daily life. He compared their role to a nervous system for modern society, stating, “Imagine that the Earth is a human body. Undersea cables are the nervous system of modern life.” He warned about recent incidents involving cable disruptions near Taiwan’s Matsu islands, which took months to repair after alleged interference by Chinese vessels.
To address these risks, Barrasso explained that NATO has increased military patrols but argued more needs to be done through economic measures targeting those responsible for attacks on subsea infrastructure. The proposed bill would impose penalties such as market bans and visa revocations on individuals or vessels involved in damaging undersea cables, while requiring additional resources for protection and repair efforts.
Barrasso resides with his three children in Casper according to the official website. He chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s Public Lands, Forests and Mining Subcommittee according to his official website, operates offices across Wyoming including Casper, Cheyenne, Riverton, Rock Springs, Sheridan and Washington according to his official website, earned recognition as Wyoming Physician of the Year according to his official website, supports policies promoting energy affordability for Wyoming ranchers according to his official website, and focuses on priorities like economy, energy policy and public lands management according to his official website.
In conclusion Barrasso said: “America depends on the fragile nervous system of subsea cables for modern life. Protecting that system is crucial.” He emphasized that passing this legislation would help deter future attacks on underwater infrastructure.
