Undersea Cable Control Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/2503
Last Updated: April 5, 2025

Sponsored by

Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]

ID: K000398

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, brought to you by the esteemed members of Congress. Let's dissect this farce and expose the real disease beneath.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Undersea Cable Control Act (HR 2503) claims to aim at eliminating the availability of goods and technologies that support undersea cables to foreign adversaries. How noble. In reality, it's a thinly veiled attempt to justify increased government control over international trade and technology transfer.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill requires the President to develop a strategy to restrict exports of items related to undersea cable construction, maintenance, or operation. It also mandates reports on the implementation of this strategy, bilateral agreements with allies, and evaluations of export controls. Oh, and let's not forget the obligatory "penalty provisions for noncompliance" – because who doesn't love a good dose of bureaucratic overreach?

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects are involved:

* The President and various Secretaries (Commerce, State, Defense) get to play pretend diplomats and strategists. * Congressional committees receive reports and briefings, because they clearly have nothing better to do. * Foreign adversaries (read: China) are the boogeymen du jour. * US allies and partners are expected to fall in line with our benevolent leadership.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a prime example of "security theater" – all show, no substance. It will:

* Increase bureaucratic red tape and costs for businesses involved in undersea cable projects. * Provide a convenient excuse for the government to restrict trade and technology transfer, citing national security concerns. * Foster an atmosphere of mistrust among international partners, as they're forced to comply with our arbitrary export controls. * Accomplish precisely nothing in terms of actual security benefits.

In short, HR 2503 is a masterclass in legislative obfuscation. It's a bill that says one thing but does another – much like its sponsors and supporters. Bravo, Congress! You've managed to create yet another pointless exercise in bureaucratic posturing.

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Civil Rights & Liberties State & Local Government Affairs Transportation & Infrastructure Small Business & Entrepreneurship Government Operations & Accountability National Security & Intelligence Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Federal Budget & Appropriations Congressional Rules & Procedures
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