State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act of 2021

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 2520) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for engagements with State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, and for other purposes.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, in recent months the world has watched in horror as Russia launched its unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine. Russia's actions have, once again, reminded us of the potential for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure here in the United States.

With State and local governments operating large amounts of critical infrastructure, including essential public services like schools, emergency response agencies, and water utilities, it is essential that State and local governments have strong cybersecurity practices.

In March, in response to the current threat landscape, President Biden sent a letter to the Nation's Governors urging them to take actions to enhance their cyber defenses. The Federal Government must continue to expand our partnerships with States as they carry out this important national security work.

Congress has already taken some critical steps in this effort this Congress, thanks to the leadership of my colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee. Last year, the House passed Congresswoman Yvette Clarke's State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act which created a new grant program to assist State, local, Tribal, and territorial Governments with strengthening their cybersecurity. This legislation was signed by President Biden in the fall as part of the bipartisan infrastructure law and will provide $1 billion in much-needed help over the next 4 years.

Additionally, last year, Congress passed the K-12 Cybersecurity Act introduced by Senator Peters and Congressman Langevin. That bill directs the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to study the cyber risks posed to K-12 educational institutions and provide them with additional resources to better defend themselves.

Right now, I am proud to be working on a bipartisan basis with Senators Peters and Cornyn, and my Homeland Security Committee colleague Representative Garbarino, on the Satellite Cybersecurity Act, urgently needed legislation to better protect critical infrastructure used at the municipal, State, and Federal level that relies on commercial satellite data to work properly.

Passing S. 2520 will build on these efforts by further strengthening the relationship between DHS and State and local Governments as they work to defend our country against cyberattacks. More specifically, it would permit DHS to provide State and local Governments with access to cybersecurity resources and encourage collaboration in using these resources, including joint cybersecurity exercises.

Additionally, the bill will strengthen the relationship between DHS and the Multi State Information Sharing and Analysis Center to help State and local governments receive the most updated information regarding potential threats and gain access to greater technical assistance.

I thank Senators Peters and Portman for their leadership in introducing this bill, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, we rely on State and local governments for some of our most basic and necessary public services. We have seen many communities across the country experience disruptions in those vital services due to ransomware attacks originating from Russia.

In this current threat environment, with a heightened risk of even more dangerous cyberattacks, S. 2520 would enhance DHS's collaboration with State and local governments in addressing this pressing national security threat.

By passing this bill and sending it to the President, we will continue our ongoing efforts to expand critical Federal cybersecurity assistance to State and local governments.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 2520, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2520, the State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act of 2021.

Today, State and local governments are not in the position to defend their networks against cyberattacks from sophisticated foreign adversaries or cybercriminals. State and local governments are rich targets for cyber adversaries, and the frequency of attacks is only accelerating as budgets are increasingly constrained.

The Federal Government needs to redouble their efforts to support State, local, Tribal, and territorial government entities to bolster their cybersecurity posture.

To help remedy this, this bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for engagements with SLTT entities to increase Federal support and information sharing.

Additionally, the bill expands DHS' responsibilities concerning grants and cooperative agreements. The bill also provides DHS the ability to coordinate with SLTT entities to conduct exercises, provide technical and operational cybersecurity training, as well as promote cybersecurity education and awareness.

S. 2520 will help shore up SLTT vulnerabilities against malicious cyberattackers and will go a long way to strengthen our more localized entities that are closer to the everyday American.

I urge Members to join me in supporting S. 2520, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 152, S. 2520.

I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported substitute amendment be withdrawn; that the Peters substitute amendment, which is at the desk, be considered and agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.