Rep. McCaul highlights need to restructure DHS cybersecurity functions

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) highlighted the need to reform U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) on Wednesday.

Legislation introduced by McCaul to restructure and rename the NPPD the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure (CISA) agency gained unanimous approval in the U.S House of Representatives in December. After the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018, H.R. 1625, was signed into law with $380 million to upgrade state election systems, McCaul highlighted the need to restructure DHS cybersecurity functions.

“With the advancement of technology and our increased dependence on computer networks, nation states, hackers and cybercriminals are finding new ways to target our critical infrastructure,” McCaul, chairman of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, said. “To ensure the continued success and strength of DHS’ cyber mission, we must remain laser focused to more effectively streamline and enhance vital cybersecurity operations.”

McCaul’s bill, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2017, H.R. 3359, would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize CISA within the DHS. The move would streamline the NPPD’s current structure by establishing CISA as a standalone operational organization.

“H.R. 3359 will achieve DHS’s longstanding goal of creating a stand-alone operational organization, better focused on its vital missions to strengthen the security of federal networks and our nation’s critical infrastructure, including electoral, while bolstering our civilian cyber-defenses,” McCaul said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Congress and the administration to get this to the president’s desk as soon as we can.”