Overview
Title
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.
ELI5 AI
H.R. 1737 asks the Secretary of Commerce to make a report about putting an underwater internet cable between the US, the US Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria to help with better security and communication, but they have to check if it’s possible without collecting new information.
Summary AI
H.R. 1737 is a bill that instructs the Secretary of Commerce to prepare a report for Congress on the possibility of creating a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable. This cable would connect the mainland United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria to boost national security. The report is to cover aspects such as digital and economic opportunities, the current state of undersea cables, and the feasibility of setting up secure facilities in the Virgin Islands. The Secretary is prohibited from mandating data collection for the report, which must be primarily unclassified.
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
The bill, H.R. 1737, introduced in the 119th Congress, directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct and submit a report on the potential value, cost, and feasibility of establishing a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable. This cable would connect the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria. The primary objective is to evaluate the cable's potential to enhance national security and economic opportunities. The report must cover a comprehensive assessment of various factors related to digital and national security, telecommunications infrastructure readiness, and potential economic benefits. Additionally, the report is to be submitted in unclassified form, although it may include a classified annex.
Summary of Significant Issues
Several significant issues are associated with this bill. One of the main concerns is the potential for wasteful spending if the cost and feasibility analyses are not meticulously managed and justified. Without effective oversight, financial mismanagement could become a reality.
Another issue revolves around the vagueness of the term "trusted entities." The lack of a clear definition for these entities in the context of the cable's deployment could lead to national and economic security risks by inadvertently involving unreliable partners or excluding beneficial ones.
The provision allowing for a classified annex in the report introduces the possibility of restricting public oversight. This lack of transparency in critical national security and economic decisions might be controversial and fuel public distrust.
Lastly, the absence of mandatory data collection raises concerns about the comprehensiveness and reliability of the report. By not requiring data from all relevant entities, the report may end up with biased or incomplete information, impacting decision-making processes.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the bill aims to enhance connectivity, national security, and economic opportunities across the Atlantic. If executed effectively, it could lead to improved digital infrastructure, thereby boosting economic growth and security for the United States and its partners. The connectivity could facilitate better telecommunications and foster closer ties with the involved regions, creating expanded markets for businesses and enhancing cultural exchanges.
However, there are potential negative impacts if the project is not managed well. Wasteful spending of public funds could result from inadequate cost analyses, and public distrust might arise if transparency issues are not addressed. The success and public perception of this project will heavily depend on careful planning, execution, and openness.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Specific stakeholders, such as the telecommunications industry, could significantly benefit from the successful deployment of the fiber optic cable. Such a project could open up new business opportunities, enhance service offerings, and create a more competitive market.
On the other hand, entities involved in supplying or establishing the infrastructure could face challenges if deemed "not trusted," which might limit their participation in the project. Countries in Africa, such as Ghana and Nigeria, may anticipate increased connectivity and economic growth, improving digital access in their regions. Nonetheless, these nations could also be impacted negatively if complexities in stakeholder engagement arise from ambiguities in defining "trusted entities."
In conclusion, while the bill presents a vision for fostering enhanced trans-Atlantic communication and security through modern telecommunications infrastructure, precise execution and transparency are essential to realizing its potential benefits without falling into pitfalls such as financial mismanagement or reduced public trust.
Issues
The potential for wasteful spending due to an inadequately managed and justified cost and feasibility analysis is significant, as outlined in Section 1 regarding the assessment of the trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable. Effective oversight and clear criteria are necessary to prevent financial mismanagement.
The definition of 'trusted entities' in subsection (b)(5) of Section 1 is vague, leading to ambiguities in determining the qualifying entities for engagement in the cable deployment. This lack of clarity could pose national and economic security risks.
The provision for a classified annex in subsection (d) of Section 1 might restrict public oversight concerning national security and economic opportunity decisions related to the submarine cable project. This lack of transparency could be controversial.
The lack of mandatory data collection as stated in subsection (c) of Section 1 may result in incomplete or biased data for the report, potentially undermining the comprehensiveness and reliability of the assessment. It raises concerns about the decision-making process and data integrity.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Assessment of trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section requires the Secretary of Commerce to submit a report assessing the feasibility, cost, and benefits of creating a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria, emphasizing national security and economic opportunities. The report must cover various factors, including digital and national security, telecommunications infrastructure readiness, potential economic benefits, and any related matters, and should be submitted in an unclassified form.