The Safeguarding Essential Cables through Undersea Risk Elimination American Telecommunications Act, or SECURE American Telecommunications Act, aims to enhance the security and licensing of critical telecommunications infrastructure. It transfers the authority for licensing submarine cables from the President to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and extends similar licensing requirements to cross-border terrestrial telecommunications cables. The bill prohibits licenses for cables connecting to areas controlled by foreign adversaries or using communications equipment from the FCC's prohibited list.

The FCC is mandated to establish minimum physical security and cybersecurity standards for these cables and their landing stations, including a standard for the minimum distance between submarine cables on the seabed. Licensees must report cybersecurity incidents within 24 hours, and the FCC will review these standards biennially in consultation with national security agencies. This aims to protect vital communication links from cyber threats and physical damage.

To streamline development, the bill requires the Army Corps of Engineers to issue a general permit for submarine cable construction and repair, incorporating the new minimum distance standards. It also prohibits other Federal authorizations for submarine cables, except for specific licenses, and preempts state and local environmental regulations for these projects. Furthermore, the bill significantly increases penalties for damaging submarine cables and mandates a joint study on the benefits, costs, and feasibility of establishing submarine cable protection zones.

The legislation also requires the FCC to submit annual reports on cybersecurity incidents targeting submarine cables by foreign adversaries or non-state actors. The Secretary of State is directed to seek international agreements with key allies like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to establish common minimum security standards for submarine cables. Finally, the FCC must become a member of the International Cable Protection Committee within 30 days of the Act's enactment.