House passes two of Ratcliffe’s cybersecurity efforts

The U.S. House of Representatives passed two cybersecurity bills on Tuesday that were authored by U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX).

“Over the last several years we’ve witnessed evolving cybersecurity threats from nation-states such as China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, and from criminal organizations and terrorist groups such as ISIS,” Ratcliffe said. “And on top of this, cyber criminals are continuing to develop even more cutting-edge cyber capabilities.”

The Support for Rapid Innovation Act of 2016, H.R. 5388, provides for more effective coordination with industry and academia to foster the research and development of cybersecurity technologies.

The second bill, the Leveraging Emerging Technologies Act of 2016, H.R. 5389, encourages engagement between the Department of Homeland Security and emerging technology developers to help get the government’s cybersecurity defense and response capabilities caught up to the digital age.

“In the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, it is imperative that the federal government keep pace with new and emerging technologies,” House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) said. “Government must also more effectively leverage rapidly advancing innovative solutions to address homeland security needs. Spearheaded by Rep. John Ratcliffe, and as part of Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s Innovation Initiative, these bills help to facilitate coordination and cohesion between the Department of Homeland Security and emerging technology developers and firms. Together, we can develop and implement strategies to proactively engage technology hubs across the country and better secure digital America.”

Ratcliffe is the chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies.