WASHINGTON, D.C.–Perhaps one of the biggest threats to the security of the United States is a large-scale cyber attack on computer systems that control the power grid, air traffic control or other vital systems. A new set of bills that could help prevent that kind of attack is being praised by Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.).
The bills have been passed by both the U.S. House and Senate and are now on the way to the president for his signature.
“At the beginning of this Congress, expectations were high for some legislative action in the area of cybersecurity. It has taken some time to get here, but what we have before us is something solid that sets forth what DHS (Dept. of Homeland Security) must do, as the lead civilian agency for cybersecurity,” said Thompson.
Thompson retained his position as the Ranking Democrat in the House Committee on Homeland Security.
The bills would make Homeland Security’s mission to stop cyber threats law for the first time. It would mean DHS will have better authority to hire people to help cut down on the cybersecurity threat.
“With this cybersecurity legislation, simply put, we will raise the level of cybersecurity, particularly within the federal government and protecting our nation’s critical infrastructure,” said Thompson.
