Us Congress House Bill HB5201

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/11/23
• Refer: 8/11/23
• Refer: 8/14/23

Caption

FEMA Cybersecurity Improvement Act

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would mandate that the Administrator of FEMA, in collaboration with the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, develop a robust strategy for addressing cybersecurity risks. This strategy would be accompanied by a progress report, due one year post-enactment, to specific congressional committees, thereby ensuring accountability and ongoing oversight regarding cybersecurity initiatives within FEMA.

Summary

House Bill 5201, titled the 'FEMA Cybersecurity Improvement Act', aims to enhance the cybersecurity posture of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The bill intends to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by providing a framework for mitigating cybersecurity risks that could impede the operations of FEMA. It recognizes the growing threat of cyber vulnerabilities within agencies that play critical roles in disaster response and recovery, thereby emphasizing the necessity for improved cybersecurity measures.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to bolster FEMA's defenses against cyber threats, it may generate discussion around resource allocation and prioritization within the agency. Lawmakers may debate the extent of resources that should be devoted to cybersecurity versus traditional emergency management needs. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding bureaucratic efficacy and the extent to which this new mandate may divert attention from FEMA's core functions of disaster readiness and response.