Senate BillS 318National Science FoundationComputers and information technology
ANCHOR Act
INTRO JAN 29· LAST ACTION OCT 10
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to protect and modernize a crucial part of our nation's scientific infrastructure: the U.S. Academic Research Fleet. These vessels are essential for understanding our oceans, climate, and marine life, contributing to everything from weather forecasting to discovering new medicines. If this bill becomes law and the resulting plan is implemented, it means more secure data, safer operations for researchers at sea, and the ability for scientists to conduct cutting-edge research with reliable high-speed connections and protection from cyber threats.
Without such a plan, research vessels might continue to operate with outdated internet and cybersecurity, leaving valuable scientific data vulnerable to attacks or limiting their ability to perform real-time data analysis, telemedicine, or remote collaboration. This could hinder scientific progress, compromise national security through data breaches, and put the safety and efficiency of marine research operations at risk. This bill ensures a proactive approach to these critical challenges, securing the future of U.S. oceanographic research.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to submit a plan to improve the cybersecurity and telecommunications of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet.
This provision is the central mandate of the bill, initiating a strategic effort to modernize essential research infrastructure.
PROVISION 02
The plan must include an assessment of current telecommunications and cybersecurity needs for the fleet's scientific missions.
This ensures a clear understanding of existing gaps and specific requirements for future improvements.
PROVISION 03
The plan must estimate the costs and time required to implement necessary upgrades under various funding scenarios.
This provides a practical roadmap for budgeting and scheduling, making the proposed improvements actionable.
PROVISION 04
The plan must propose common solutions, centralized services, or consortial licensing agreements and include a spending plan from various funding sources.
This addresses efficient implementation and outlines how the improvements will be funded by multiple stakeholders.
PROVISION 05
The Director must consider specific network capabilities needed for critical vessel functions, medical care, data uploads, and real-time remote scientific and operational support.
This ensures that the planned improvements directly support the practical and advanced needs of scientific research and vessel operations.
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to protect and modernize a crucial part of our nation's scientific infrastructure: the U.S. Academic Research Fleet. These vessels are essential for understanding our oceans, climate, and marine life, contributing to everything from weather forecasting to discovering new medicines. If this bill becomes law and the resulting plan is implemented, it means more secure data, safer operations for researchers at sea, and the ability for scientists to conduct cutting-edge research with reliable high-speed connections and protection from cyber threats.
Without such a plan, research vessels might continue to operate with outdated internet and cybersecurity, leaving valuable scientific data vulnerable to attacks or limiting their ability to perform real-time data analysis, telemedicine, or remote collaboration. This could hinder scientific progress, compromise national security through data breaches, and put the safety and efficiency of marine research operations at risk. This bill ensures a proactive approach to these critical challenges, securing the future of U.S. oceanographic research.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to submit a plan to improve the cybersecurity and telecommunications of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet.
This provision is the central mandate of the bill, initiating a strategic effort to modernize essential research infrastructure.
med
The plan must include an assessment of current telecommunications and cybersecurity needs for the fleet's scientific missions.
This ensures a clear understanding of existing gaps and specific requirements for future improvements.
med
The plan must estimate the costs and time required to implement necessary upgrades under various funding scenarios.
This provides a practical roadmap for budgeting and scheduling, making the proposed improvements actionable.
high
The plan must propose common solutions, centralized services, or consortial licensing agreements and include a spending plan from various funding sources.
This addresses efficient implementation and outlines how the improvements will be funded by multiple stakeholders.
med
The Director must consider specific network capabilities needed for critical vessel functions, medical care, data uploads, and real-time remote scientific and operational support.
This ensures that the planned improvements directly support the practical and advanced needs of scientific research and vessel operations.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act
Submit a plan to improve the cybersecurity and telecommunications of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet.
GLOSSARY
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National Science Foundation (NSF)
A U.S. government agency that supports fundamental research and education in all non-medical fields of science and engineering.
U.S. Academic Research Fleet
A collection of U.S.-flagged research vessels operated by universities and laboratories that are part of a national system, funded by the NSF, and used for oceanographic research.
Cybersecurity
The practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, damage, or unauthorized access.
Telecommunications
The transmission of information over long distances using technology, such as internet, satellite communication, or radio.
Oceanographic Research Vessel
A ship specifically designed and equipped to conduct scientific studies and exploration of the ocean and its characteristics.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
A U.S. federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security responsible for protecting the nation's critical infrastructure from physical and cyber threats.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
ACTION TIMELINE
10 EVENTS
OCT 10, 25
Received in the House.
FLOOR
OCT 10, 25
Held at the desk.
FLOOR
OCT 8, 25
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
FLOOR
OCT 8, 25
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7007-7009; text: CR S7008-7009)
A U.S. federal agency that develops technology, metrics, and standards to drive innovation and improve quality of life, including cybersecurity standards and guidelines.
