House advances legislation to address terror threats, improve national security

Two bills that seek to improve law enforcement training and enhance information sharing in combating cyber terror threats were recently advanced by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act of 2017, authored by U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX), provides both state and local law enforcement departments with various tools to help combat cybercrime by authorizing the National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI). The center provides officers comprehensive training on current cybercrime trends, investigative methods, and prosecutorial and judicial challenges.

The Improving Fusion Centers’ Access to Information Act, authored by U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY), requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to identify and analyze gaps in information sharing among physical workplaces that bring together two separate agencies to work on counterterrorism initiatives, also known as fusion centers.

“It’s critical that that our law enforcement agencies have the information and training they need to prevent and respond to threats,” U.S. Rep. Dan Donovan (R-NY), who voted in favor of both bills, said. “This legislation will help increase coordination between the brave men and women who defend us on the local, state, and federal level to ensure that they have the tools needed to protect our homeland. Recent attacks across the globe highlight the need for increased vigilance, and I will continue to support legislation that helps shield our nation from those who wish us harm.”

Both bills have yet to be considered by the Senate.