Bill orders study of cybersecurity upgrades for US research ship fleet
Passed one chamberH.R. 1223Latest action
Sponsor: Vince Fong · Representative · CA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: ANCHOR Act
119th Congress
Topics: AI & technology
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The ANCHOR Act requires NSF to plan cybersecurity and internet upgrades for U.S. academic research ships, without funding them yet.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The ANCHOR Act directs the NSF Director to create, within 18 months, a plan for upgrading cybersecurity and internet/communications technology on the U.S. Academic Research Fleet. The plan must address satellite internet speed, cybersecurity protections, remote access for shore-based scientists, telemedicine, and video links for classroom outreach. A follow-up progress report is due two years after the plan is submitted.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects research institutions and universities that own or operate ocean research vessels, along with federal agencies like NSF and the Office of Naval Research. Students, scientists, and the public who use ocean research data could be indirectly affected.
Why does it matter?
The bill requires only a study and plan, not immediate upgrades, so any actual equipment or system changes depend on future funding decisions.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 12, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · May 21, 2025
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
House · · Roll call 136
As recorded
- Question
- On Motion to and Pass
- Result:
- Passed
- 412
- Nay
- 11
- 0
- 10
Republicans 206 yes, 11 no, 3 not voting · Democrats 206 yes, 7 not voting
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record