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.
Cybersecurity Vulnerability Remediation Act This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to take certain actions with the goal of countering cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency must report on its activities to coordinate disclosures of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The report must address, among other topics, relevant policies and procedures; the degree to which disclosed information is acted upon by industry and other stakeholders; and the preservation of privacy and civil liberties when collecting, using, and sharing vulnerability disclosures. The National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center may disseminate protocols to counter cybersecurity vulnerabilities to information systems and industrial control systems, including in circumstances in which such vulnerabilities exist because software or hardware is no longer supported by a vendor. The Science and Technology Directorate may establish a competition to develop remedies for cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
A bill to direct the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to establish a K-12 Cybersecurity Technology Improvement Program, and for other purposes.