A bill to direct the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress a report containing an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Official Summary
Official summary has not been imported yet.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™This Senate bill, introduced in the 118th Congress, directs the Secretary of Commerce to prepare and submit a report to Congress assessing the value, cost, and feasibility of establishing a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable. The proposed cable would connect the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria. The bill aims to provide Congress with detailed information to evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of such an infrastructure project. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation but ultimately failed or expired without further action. No full text or official summary is available.
The bill sought a government assessment of a trans-Atlantic fiber optic cable linking the U.S. and parts of Africa but did not advance beyond committee referral and expired.
- The bill mandates a report from the Secretary of Commerce on the value, cost, and feasibility of a submarine fiber optic cable connecting the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria.
- The bill was introduced in the Senate during the 118th Congress and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- No further legislative action occurred, and the bill ultimately failed or expired.
['U.S. Department of Commerce (report preparation and analysis)', 'Telecommunications and technology sectors potentially involved in submarine cable infrastructure', 'Governments and populations of the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria (potential improved connectivity)']
['The bill does not specify funding mechanisms or timelines for the report or subsequent actions.', 'Lack of detailed implementation or oversight provisions may limit accountability.', 'Potential costs and technical challenges of constructing and maintaining a trans-Atlantic cable are not addressed in the bill text.']
The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the relevant committee but did not progress further, indicating limited legislative momentum. It falls within the policy area of International Affairs, reflecting interest in enhancing trans-Atlantic telecommunications infrastructure and connectivity between the U.S. and West Africa.
Hidden impact flags detected: 2
GovScope reviewed 2 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['If the report had been completed and found the project feasible, it could have led to increased telecommunications infrastructure investment between the U.S. and West Africa.', 'Improved connectivity might enhance economic, diplomatic, and technological ties between the connected regions.', 'The assessment could influence future legislative or executive actions related to international telecommunications infrastructure.']
The absence of a full bill text and official summary limits detailed analysis. The bill's failure to advance past committee referral suggests limited legislative prioritization. Transparency considerations include the need for clear funding, implementation, and oversight provisions to ensure accountability in government assessments of major infrastructure projects.
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