HB261Introduced in the House
Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025
Introduced by Earl Carter, District GA-1
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
To amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prohibit requiring an authorization for the installation, continued presence, operation, maintenance, repair, or recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in a national marine sanctuary if such activities have previously been authorized by a Federal or State agency.
Where it stands
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
February 12, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
HouseStage: On Passage RC# 67 · February 11, 2026
218
Yes
212
No
2
Absent or Not Voting
432 representatives recorded in this House vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
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See how each representative voted
| Representative | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Nicholas Begich | AK | Yes |
| Barry Moore | AL-2 | Yes |
| Shomari Figures | AL-2 | No |
| Mike D. Rogers | AL-3 | Yes |
| Robert Aderholt | AL-4 | Yes |
| Dale Strong | AL-5 | Yes |
| Gary Palmer | AL-6 | Yes |
| Terri Sewell | AL-7 | No |
| Eric Crawford | AR-1 | Yes |
| French Hill | AR-2 | Yes |
Bill history
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 18.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-181.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 146.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1042 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1057 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one motion to recommit H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617, and one motion to commit S. 1383.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1057. (consideration: CR H2161-2166)
Rule provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one motion to recommit H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617, and one motion to commit S. 1383.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 261.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Mr. Carbajal moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H2166)
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 261, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Carbajal demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2169-2171)
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 216 (Roll no. 66).
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 212 (Roll no. 67). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2162)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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