This bill expands the Cable Security Fleet, a U.S. maritime program that protects underwater cables critical to national communications and defense infrastructure, from two vessels to at least six vessels. The legislation increases the annual payment to ship operators from $5 million to up to $7 million per vessel to cover operating costs and ensure vessels remain available when needed. The bill authorizes $56 million in annual funding for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2040, replacing the previous $10 million annual authorization that was set to expire in 2035. The expansion aims to strengthen national security by maintaining a larger fleet of ships capable of responding to threats or damage to submarine cables that carry most international data and communications. The bill was introduced in May 2026 and referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
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