What does Preamble of Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resilience Initiative Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To enhance the security, resilience, and protection of critical undersea infrastructure vital to Taiwan's national security, economic stability, and defense, particularly in countering gray zone tactics employed by the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes,' aims to bolster the security of undersea infrastructure crucial to Taiwan. The bill specifically addresses countering "gray zone tactics employed by the People's Republic of China." The bill is referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resilience Initiative Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resilience Initiative Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resilience Initiative Act do?

This section identifies increasing gray zone tactics by the People's Republic of China (PRC) aimed at undermining Taiwan's security and changing the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. The PRC is suspected of targeting undersea cables and other critical undersea infrastructure to cripple Taiwan's communication capabilities in the event of conflict or hybrid warfare. Several incidents of damage to undersea cables around Taiwan have occurred since 2023, with suspected PRC and Russian involvement. These incidents include the severing of cables around the Matsu Islands in 2023 and damage reported by Chunghwa Telecom in 2025. The sabotage of undersea infrastructure is described as a tactic designed to destabilize international security. Regional mechanisms like the Nordic Warden initiative and the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience exist to bolster undersea cable security. Taiwan's significant role in the global economy and information technology supply chain means disruptions to its internet connectivity would have global economic impacts. The section emphasizes the need for the United States and its allies to take decisive action to bolster Taiwan's defenses and foster international cooperation to protect critical undersea infrastructure.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resilience Initiative Act do?

This section defines terms used within the legislation. “Critical undersea infrastructure” includes subsea energy infrastructure and subsea telecommunications infrastructure. Subsea energy infrastructure encompasses cables, pipelines, and equipment for transmitting electricity or transporting natural gas, oil, or hydrogen. Subsea telecommunications infrastructure includes fiber-optic cables and related equipment used for transmitting electronic signals. “Sabotage” is defined as actions intended to cause damage to critical undersea infrastructure, including data integrity.

What does TAIWAN CRITICAL UNDERSEA INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE INITIATIVE. of Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resilience Initiative Act do?

This section establishes the "Taiwan Critical Undersea Infrastructure Initiative," to be led by the Secretary of State in coordination with other agencies. The Initiative prioritizes protecting undersea infrastructure near Taiwan, specifically focusing on countering threats from the People's Republic of China (PRC). Key focus areas include developing advanced monitoring systems to detect disruptions, establishing rapid response protocols for damaged infrastructure, and enhancing maritime domain awareness. The initiative authorizes $20,000,000 annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to support rapid response protocols. It aims to enhance maritime domain awareness around Taiwan through joint patrols and surveillance. The Secretary of State will seek to establish cooperative frameworks with international partners to protect undersea cable networks. The initiative encourages the hardening of undersea infrastructure near Taiwan through measures like reinforcing cables and using resilient materials.

What does COUNTERING PRC GRAY ZONE TACTICS. of Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resilience Initiative Act do?

This section directs the President to collaborate with international partners to counter the People's Republic of China's (PRC) sabotage of critical undersea infrastructure. The President is tasked with increasing diplomatic pressure on the PRC to comply with international norms regarding the protection of critical undersea infrastructure. The President shall also work with international partners to raise awareness globally about the risks associated with PRC sabotage of critical undersea infrastructure.

What does IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO CRITICAL UNDERSEA of Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resilience Initiative Act do?

This section establishes sanctions against foreign persons responsible for or facilitating sabotage against undersea infrastructure critical to the security of Taiwan or other United States allies or partners. The President, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury, is authorized to impose these sanctions. Sanctions include blocking property within the United States or under U.S. control, and ineligibility for visas, admission, or parole into the United States. The President must report to congressional committees within 15 days of imposing sanctions, providing a detailed justification. Exceptions exist for activities necessary to comply with international obligations or authorized law enforcement/intelligence activities. The President may waive sanctions if deemed in the national security interests of the United States, with a written certification and report to Congress.

What does SEMIANNUAL REPORT. of Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resilience Initiative Act do?

This section requires the President to submit a report to Congress every 180 days. The reporting requirement begins within 180 days of the Act's enactment and continues through 2032. The report must detail any incidents of interference or sabotage related to critical undersea infrastructure near Taiwan. The report must also detail any actions taken in response to such incidents.

What does INTERAGENCY CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR CROSS-STRAIT CRISIS. of Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resilience Initiative Act do?

This section establishes a policy of preparing for potential crises involving Taiwan, including actions by the People's Republic of China (PRC) to alter the status quo. The President is required to establish a Cross-Strait Contingency Planning Group within 90 days of the Act's enactment. The Group will be chaired by the National Security Council and include senior officials from the Department of State, Department of Defense, and intelligence community. The Group's functions include conducting scenario-based planning exercises, identifying vulnerabilities, and developing integrated contingency plans. The Group must assess existing authorities and identify gaps in capabilities and coordination. The Group is tasked with sharing risk assessments with allies and partners and regularly testing and refining contingency plans. The Group must submit a classified report to Congress within 180 days of establishment and annually for 10 years. The reports will include descriptions of scenarios assessed, preparedness assessments, recommendations, and lessons learned.

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Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resilience Initiative Act

Last updated: 4/2/2026 · Introduced: 4/2/2026

Author: Michael Lawler (R-NY)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes the Taiwan Critical Undersea Infrastructure Initiative, led by the Secretary of State, to protect undersea infrastructure near Taiwan from threats, particularly from the People's Republic of China (PRC).
The bill authorizes $20 million annually from 2027 through 2032 to support rapid response protocols for damaged undersea infrastructure near Taiwan.
It directs the President to collaborate with international partners to counter PRC sabotage of critical undersea infrastructure and increase diplomatic pressure on the PRC.
The bill establishes sanctions against foreign persons responsible for or facilitating sabotage against undersea infrastructure critical to Taiwan or U.S. allies and partners.
The President is required to submit semiannual reports to Congress detailing incidents of interference or sabotage related to critical undersea infrastructure near Taiwan and actions taken in response.

119th Congressin committeeS. 2222(In Committee)Official page

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