Press Releases
Rep Mike Garcia’s Bipartisan ANCHOR Act Passes House to Upgrade National Security on Research Vessels
Washington,
September 23, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Garcia’s (CA-27) ANCHOR Act, H.R. 7630, a bipartisan bill co-led by Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), passed the House unanimously. This critical legislation facilitates much-needed cybersecurity and telecommunications upgrades for the 17 oceanographic vessels in the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, including three based in California.
“These ships are vital to our national security and environmental research, but they’re outdated and vulnerable to rising cyber threats from adversaries like Russia and China,” said Rep. Garcia. “The ANCHOR Act is about securing these vessels and making sure they can continue their important missions—whether it’s studying our oceans or supporting our national defense—for years to come.” “These vessels have already made significant discoveries, like locating WWII-era munitions off the Los Angeles coast,” said Rep. Garcia. “We’re protecting not just our oceans, but our national interests and future research, ensuring America stays at the forefront of global innovation.” The ANCHOR Act is endorsed by leading research institutions, including Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and marks a major step forward in securing the tools and technologies critical to our nation’s research and security. |