National Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7174) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to reauthorize the National Computer Forensics Institute of the United States Secret Service, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7174, the National Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022, introduced in this House by Ms. Slotkin of Michigan.

Ms. Slotkin's legislation addresses ransomware threats that are on the rise and are costing American companies and the American people millions of dollars each year. In fact, former Cisco CEO John Chambers estimates that in the year 2022, we will see approximately $120,000, on average, in costs to 60,000 American businesses who will be victims of ransomware attacks.

Ransomware attacks have targeted our most critical industries, from the energy sector to food processing to schools and even hospitals. State and local law enforcement are on the front lines of protecting against this threat and often are the first people called when an attack occurs, and they are on the ground in communities to respond.

Recently, FBI Director Chris Wray told Congress that within an hour, if a business calls the FBI, one of his agents can respond, either virtually or at their doorstep, to assist them.

More than ever, State and local law enforcement need the training and tools to investigate and respond to ransomware and other cyber-based attacks. That is where the National Computer Forensics Institute, or NCFI, comes in.

Established in 2008 by the U.S. Secret Service, NCFI is recognized as a preeminent Federal facility for State and local law enforcement to receive cybersecurity training.

At NCFI, the Secret Service trains State, local, Tribal, and territory officers, prosecutors, and judges in cybercrime investigations and cyber-incident response.

To date, because of this training, more than 18,000 law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges across all 50 States and territories have received training at NCFI's center in Hoover, Alabama.

As introduced, Ms. Slotkin's H.R. 7174 would reauthorize NCFI through 2032.

Like many of my colleagues here in Congress, I began my career as a prosecutor, and I know the importance of training law enforcement, prosecutors, and judicial officers.

Before a case ever reaches the trial stage, dozens of law enforcement officers, investigators, and attorneys have pored over every shred of evidence to ensure justice is served.

Since evidence today is increasingly digital and more and more meticulous to review, it is imperative that law enforcement, prosecutors, and judicial officers from communities across the country have access to necessary training on emerging and digital technologies, like AI, and equipment to put that training into action. That is what Ms. Slotkin's bill will do.

H.R. 7174 will ensure that NCFI's operation will continue for 10 more years and better position the institute for success.

The bill strengthens its operations by requiring privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties protections be integrated into the training; it authorizes NCFI to engage in research and development of different approaches to training for investigations involving ransomware and threats involving the use of emerging digital assets; and it requires the Secret Service Director to report on the demand for training at NCFI, the institute's ability to meet that demand, and whether to expand further NCFI facilities and training opportunities.

NCFI's authority to continue its training will end in November of this year, but we know that cyber actors, nation-state and non-nation- state, their efforts will not, which makes H.R. 7174's swift passage so important.

The House authorized the NCFI by an overwhelming bipartisan vote in the 115th Congress, and the Committee on

Homeland Security passed this bipartisan bill by unanimous voice vote last month. It has 17 bipartisan cosponsors.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleague to support Ms. Slotkin's legislation once again, and I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives,

Committee on the Judiciary,

Washington, DC, June 8, 2022.

Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,

Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Thompson: This letter is to advise you that

the Committee on the Judiciary has now had an opportunity to

review the provisions in H.R. 7174, the ``National Computer

Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022,'' that fall

within our Rule X jurisdiction. I appreciate your consulting

with us on those provisions. The Judiciary Committee has no

objection to your including them in the bill for

consideration on the House floor, and to expedite that

consideration is willing to forgo action on H.R. 7174, with

the understanding that we do not thereby waive any future

jurisdictional claim over those provisions or their subject

matters.

In the event a House-Senate conference on this or similar

legislation is convened, the Judiciary Committee reserves the

right to request an appropriate number of conferees to

address any concerns with these or similar provisions that

may arise in conference.

Please place this letter into the Congressional Record

during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank

you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked

regarding this matter and others between our committees.

Sincerely,

Jerrold Nadler,

Chairman.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

As stated, the NCFI training and education program is too important to expire. It will do so in November. I appreciate the gentlewoman from Iowa and her side's support for this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I urge swift passage of H.R. 7174, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are closing out the Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support for 23 important measures to make our communities more secure and improve Department of Homeland Security operations in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.

I am particularly pleased that we were able to reach agreement on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act to expand and strengthen this vital program so that more nonprofits and houses of worship can access security assistance at this time of heightened threats of violent extremism and terrorism. With antisemitic and other violent threats on the rise, it is clear this legislation is needed now more than ever.

I also want to thank Ranking Member John Katko, as he retires from Congress, for his contributions to the Homeland Security Committee and his critical support throughout this process for the Committee's bipartisan package found in Division G of the NDAA.

While the package reflects the contributions of so many of my colleagues, l would like to give special acknowledgment to Congresswoman Val Demings who championed the Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Act. This legislation directs DHS to explore ways to provide needed bridge funding to cities to preserve homeland security capability gains accomplished through the Urban Area Security Initiative grant program when they no longer receive such funding.

With respect to cybersecurity, I am pleased that we were able to reach agreement on bipartisan provisions that originated in the Committee on Homeland Security. They include Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin's legislation to reauthorize the Secret Service's National Computer Forensics Institute, Congresswoman Elaine Luria's bill to authorize DHS's President's Cup Cybersecurity Competition, and legislation authored by Congressman Eric Swalwell aimed at improving DHS's cybersecurity training to protect industrial control systems.

While I am enormously proud of the bipartisan homeland security provisions that were included, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my disappointment that we were not able to reach agreement with the Senate on amending the law to treat TSA's workforce like most other Federal employees or authorize the vital work of DHS's Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. We will continue to seek an agreement on these critical measures.

Lastly, I am particularly proud that the NDAA honors my late friend, Congressman A. Donald McEachin, by including his bill, the DHS Mentor- Protege Program Act, to help small businesses better compete for DHS contracts. It is a fitting tribute to my friend that we came together to pass a bill to open doors of opportunity to small businesses-- something that he was passionate about doing.

Mr. Speaker, the full list of Homeland Security Committee measures that will be enacted by this year's NOAA is as follows:

H.R. 6825, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act of 2022, sponsored by Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS).

H.R. 5615, the Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Act, sponsored by Rep. Val Butler Demings (D-FL).

H.R. 6387, the School and Daycare Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr. (D-NJ).

H.R. 8801, the DHS Joint Task Force Reauthorization Act of 2022, sponsored by Rep. J. Luis Correa (D-CA) and S. 4656, the DHS Joint Task Forces Reauthorization Act of 2022, sponsored by Sen. Gary C. Peters (D-MI).

H.R. 2915, the Homeland Procurement Reform Act, sponsored by Rep. J. Luis Correa (D-CA) and S. 1009, the Homeland Procurement Reform Act, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

H.R. 6824, the President's Cup Cybersecurity Competition Act, sponsored by Rep. Elaine G. Luria (D-VA).

H.R. 7777, the Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Training Act, sponsored by Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA).

H.R. 7174, the National Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022, sponsored by Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and S. 4673, the National Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

H.R. 5574, the TSA Reaching Across Nationalities, Societies, and Languages to Advance Traveler Education Act (``TRANSLATE Act''), sponsored by Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) and S. 3296, the TSA Reaching Across Nationalities, Societies, and Languages to Advance Traveler Education Act (``TRANSLATE Act''), sponsored by Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-

Madam Speaker, I stand in support of H.R. 7174, the ``National, Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022'' which will bolster the education of those defending the American people against cyber security threats.

Soon after the devastating attacks on 9/11, Congress passed the Homeland Security Act of 2002 through which it consolidated the separate branches of our security efforts into one dedicated office.

Through this Act, the Department of Homeland Security provided provisions such as infrastructure protection, chemical, biological, and nuclear defenses, as well as other measures to safeguard national security.

Congress voted in 2012 to reauthorize these important protections. We gather here to do so again today.

During the drafting of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the United States faced a wave of terrorism and extremism that threatened the lives and liberties of our people.

Today, enemies of the State have evolved to infiltrate our computers, cell phones, and cyber infrastructure.

As a result, companies, organizations, and entire cities are targets for attacks.

Last year, more than 400 U.S. government offices were held ransom or affected by a direct cyber threat.

In 2018, Atlanta, Georgia was nearly crippled by a ransomware attack that wreaked havoc on utilities, parking, and other services in the city. Atlanta taxpayers spent over $2.6 million in recovery efforts.

Last year, Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department was targeted by cyber-thugs threatening to publish countless pieces of sensitive data including arrest records, the identities of persons of interest, and even the names of confidential police informants.

In December, a Los Angeles location of Planned Parenthood had the private health information of 400,000 patients stolen through ransomware. Addresses, birthdays, and diagnoses of patients were in the hands of those who meant to do the American people harm.

Ransomware attacks cost federal, state, and local government agencies about $915 million last year.

Our Nation is vulnerable.

We are at risk.

We must be proactive to protect against larger and more sophisticated attacks.

That is why I stand in support of the ``National Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022'' which will continue efforts to train, educate and equip State, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement officers to combat cyber-attacks for another 10 years.

With this amended reauthorization, Congress would balance the need for cybersecurity with the prioritization of civil rights, civil liberties, and the safeguarding of private data.

It would also designate curriculum for the Institute, authorize full or partial funding towards attendance at the Institute, require reports of efficacy, future need, and demographic information, as well as expand on the physical and virtual capacities of the Institute's academic reach.

H.R. 7174 would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to better train those who defend our country from cyber threats today, while preparing for the advanced threats coming tomorrow.

Perhaps the most important section of this Act is the provision outlining the research and development of systems and procedures to enhance the Institute's capabilities and capacity for the future.

If cyber-attackers are willing to target American cities, agencies, and companies today, there is little question that they will be willing to target even more tomorrow.

Our best weapon against such threats is an educated and empowered league of law enforcement and IT professionals working to defend the nation's data, privacy, and security.

Once again, I offer my support for H.R. 7174, ``National Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022'' and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7174, the National Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act.

Our Nation is facing an increase in cyber threats stemming from multiple angles. These range from critical infrastructure vulnerabilities to child exploitation online.

Previous cyberattacks have highlighted the need for preventive measures and law enforcement support at every level, including Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial.

Many recent attacks and exploited vulnerabilities have severely impacted the American people and economy. Adding to this, with the ongoing war in Ukraine, the intelligence community is warning of a heightened cyber threat from Russia.

The National Computer Forensics Institute in Hoover, Alabama, is operated by the United States Secret Service. NCFI provides essential education and training to State, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges on how to mitigate, detect, and respond to cyber threats.

Since opening in 2008, NCFI has continuously worked to equip its students with the necessary tools and knowledge needed to prevent cybercrime.

Now, more than ever, as we are facing cyberattacks from malicious actors like Russia, China, and Iran, in addition to other criminal behavior online like child pornography, bolstering cyber training and tools for our law enforcement partners is imperative.

Congress officially authorized the NCFI for 5 years in 2017. This bill reauthorizes NCFI for 10 years and updates its mission, function, and curriculum.

In addition, the bill requires an annual report on NCFI's impact and activities, a requirements analysis for its potential expansion, and a process to receive feedback from participating jurisdictions.

Cybersecurity has never been more important to homeland security, and it is pivotal that we train our State and local law enforcement to address this threat and other online nefarious activities head-on.

Madam Speaker, I urge Members to join me in supporting H.R. 7174, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise with my colleagues from Illinois to honor the lives and bless the memory of the seven precious people murdered in a heinous act of evil on July Fourth in Highland Park at our Independence Day Parade.

As I speak now, the residents of Highland Park are also gathering to honor the victims: Katherine Goldstein, Irina McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy, Stephen Straus, Jacki Sundheim, Nicolas Toledo Zaragoza, and Eduardo Uvaldo.

There are no words to describe the heartbreak of our community, the grief, but also the anger.

These beautiful people were the center of the universe for their families and pillars of strength for their communities. They were loving parents and

grandparents, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters. They had personal passions and diverse interests. And all loved life. Each one had a special spark that will still burn bright within the people who knew and loved them.

In standing and honoring them, we also confront the fact that, as Rabbi Wendy Geffen poignantly said at one of the funerals: ``We should not have to be here.''

Yet, here we are, giving sorrowful remarks and moments of silence time and time and time again. Every day, in communities across America, we needlessly lose 111 lives to gun violence. No community is left untouched.

Today, we unite and stand with Highland Park as they mourn. Tomorrow, I pray that we can unite in this body to stand up and work together to bring this awful violence to an end.

I ask now that my colleagues in the House join the Illinois delegation in a moment of silence in honor of the victims in Highland Park.

Before we lift our heads, may we take an extra moment to reflect on the many more lives lost to gun violence in the 9 days since. May their memories forever be a blessing.