The House Committee on Homeland Security has praised the passage of two significant measures targeting cyber threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The bills, H.R. 5078, known as the Protecting Information by Local Leaders for Agency Resilience (PILLAR) Act, and H.R. 2659, the Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act, aim to enhance national cybersecurity and bolster local defenses.
Key Provisions of the PILLAR Act
The PILLAR Act reauthorizes the Department of Homeland Security’s State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program for seven years. This program assists state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments in mitigating risks to their information systems and operational technology.
- Funding Details: The Act maintains a cost-sharing structure of 60% for individual entities and 70% for multi-entity groups.
- A 5% increase in federal cost-sharing is available for those who adopt multi-factor authentication by Fiscal Year 2028.
- It emphasizes the importance of incorporating artificial intelligence in cybersecurity measures.
Support and Collaboration
The PILLAR Act has garnered support from a diverse coalition, including various cybersecurity organizations and industry leaders. According to Andrew R. Garbarino, the House Homeland Security Chairman, enhancing local cyber defenses is crucial as adversaries increasingly target U.S. critical infrastructure.
Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act
The H.R. 2659 Act establishes an interagency task force led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This task force will focus on countering cyber threats from the CCP and is required to produce an annual report for Congress over five years.
- Objective: To improve interagency coordination in detecting and preparing for cyber threats.
- John Moolenaar, chairman of the House committee on U.S.–China competition, emphasized the importance of this legislation for national security.
In light of evolving cyber threats from the CCP, Garbarino expressed the need for a comprehensive federal approach to cybersecurity, urging the Senate to expedite the legislation’s passage. Congressman Andy Ogles stated that they are taking steps toward enhancing America’s cyber defenses against foreign adversaries.
Conclusion
As both bills move forward, the House’s actions demonstrate a commitment to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity framework. These measures highlight the ongoing threat of cyber aggression from state-sponsored actors and underscore the necessity for continued investment in local cybersecurity initiatives.
