Hoosier State Today

U.S. Senators Todd Young and Chris Murphy have addressed a letter to President Biden, highlighting concerns over the security of undersea communications and energy cables. These cables are crucial for global internet traffic and financial transactions, with more than 95% of international internet traffic relying on them.

The senators emphasized the importance of understanding vulnerabilities in this infrastructure, particularly those affecting economic and national security. They noted that adversaries like Russia and China have been developing capabilities to disrupt these critical infrastructures.

"America’s adversaries have been developing their capabilities to attack or disrupt critical undersea infrastructure," the senators stated. They urged a review of existing vulnerabilities, considering threats from Russia and China's involvement in cable laying and repair.

Joining Young and Murphy in signing the letter were Senators Marco Rubio, Tim Kaine, Pete Ricketts, Jeanne Shaheen, Dan Sullivan, and Brian Schatz.

The letter also requested information on strategies to secure America's undersea infrastructure and promote similar security for allies. It asked about plans for the Cable Security Fleet established by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020.

Furthermore, it questioned how the administration intends to work with private sectors to align investments with national security priorities and protect physical security through international law interpretations.

The senators concluded by stressing the need for Congress to understand efforts to protect this vital information backbone as part of its national security oversight responsibilities.