This week, Congresswoman Plaskett’s (D-VI-AL) HR 1737, the “DiasporaLink Act”, passed through the House of Representatives by voice vote. The Bill, re-introduced in March with her Republican colleague Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-ID-1), requests an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of developing a Trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable which will connect the East coast of the United States, via the United States Virgin Islands, with Nigeria and Ghana.
“I am pleased to see the passage of this legislation known as the ‘DiasporaLink Act’ through the House. This bill represents an opportunity to establish high-speed internet connection to Africa and throughout the Caribbean from American soil, which will enhance America’s national security data and communication interests in the regions. In the legislation, this TransAtlantic submarine fiber optic cable will intersect in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The diasporaLink Act is envisioned as both a national security instrument and a digital commerce expressway to boost America’s global, political, economic, and military advantages and influences.
This act will ensure the region is not forgotten as it confronts increasing regional political instability and transnational criminal activity,” stated Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett.
“Thank you to Congressman Fulcher for his continued support of this legislation as well as Energy & Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D – New Jersey) and Energy & Commerce Committee Chair, Republican Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY) for their stewardship of this initiative.
“The passage of this bill through the House of Representatives is a significant step in the legislative process. Legislation does not become law until passed by the House, passed by the Senate, then signed by the President. I am hopeful this measure will be considered Senate in short order,” shared Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett.
Background:
Presently, there is no direct fiber optic link between the US and the continent of Africa. Africa is increasingly an area that presents dynamic economic opportunity for our country as well as national security challenges that must be addressed. The Virgin Islands is strategically positioned in the transit zones to fight transnational crime and protect U.S. national and regional security in the Caribbean as well as be a safe hub for optic between the 2 continents. The TransAtlantic submarine fiber optic cable network’s strategic location makes DiasporaLink a “Digital Safe Harbor” under the U.S. flag. This service will provide African and Caribbean submarine operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) a clear channel to U.S. financial and business centers. In addition, undersea cables have significant strategic importance and an estimated 400 of them carry approximately 98 percent of international internet data as well as telephone traffic around the world. Many are owned and operated by U.S. companies — helping reinforce U.S. dominance over the internet while giving a sense of security to the U.S. and its allies that may be concerned about sabotage or surveillance. Having the hub in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a significant 21st century paradigm shift; it allows our islands’ advantages, many of which have been used for the benefit of other world powers (i.e. the VI’s geostrategic location), to be utilized for the benefit of our people. DiasporaLink in the USVI will make it a hub for commerce in the global digital economy and will stimulate high tech job opportunities for Virgin Islanders and attract digital users to the territory.
In the 118th Congress, this legislation passed through the House Energy & Commerce Committee with unanimous support, passed the House of Representatives and was sent on to the Senate. The Office of Congresswoman Plaskett is working with the Senate to facilitate passage in that Chamber.
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