E&C Republicans Release New Cyber Bills to Enhance Expert Agencies' Ability to Combat Attacks

Press Release

House Energy and Commerce Republican Leaders introduced new solutions this week to empower federal agencies with specialized expertise, like the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to combat cyber and ransomware attacks, as well as to protect our critical infrastructure, like pipelines, electrical infrastructure, telecommunications, and hospital systems.

"Our technology, healthcare, and energy infrastructure security require the vigilance of experts across the federal government to ensure Americans are safe. Energy and Commerce Republicans are warning of the dangers of moving to a one-size-fits-all federal approach, which will weaken agencies' ability to leverage their expertise in cybersecurity preparedness and defense in their specific, unique sectors." -- House Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)

"Cybersecurity is national security, and Congress must act to ensure our grid is secure. H.R. 9234, which I'm leading with Leader Rodgers, will allow companies to quickly respond to these increasing attacks and install preventative measures without getting caught up in bureaucratic red tape. This bill is another tool in the toolbox to create safer communities, schools, and commerce." -- Energy Subcommittee Republican Leader Fred Upton (R-MI)

"With patient care and privacy on the line, more federal leadership is needed to ensure health care providers can respond appropriately to sophisticated cyberattacks. That's why I introduced the Department of Health and Human Services Cybersecurity Coordination Act. This bill would improve the Department of Health and Human Services' collaboration on cybersecurity threats and enhance their real-time information sharing with health care providers on active cyber threats. This bill advances patient safety and privacy by requiring HHS to take action on cybersecurity recommendations made by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this bill and other measures to prevent these cyberattacks." -- Health Subcommittee Republican Leader Brett Guthrie (R-KY)

"The National Institutes of Health has left itself vulnerable to malicious cyber-attacks due to deficiencies in its information systems. My bill would require NIH's director to implement necessary cybersecurity protections. Federal agencies like NIH must not leave the door open to bad actors that can disrupt important work being done on behalf of the American people." -- Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Republican Leader Morgan Griffith (R-VA)