The U.S. House of Representatives advanced legislation this week to create the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The bill, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act (H.R. 3359), would reorganize DHS’ National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) into a new agency and prioritize its mission as the federal leader for cyber and physical infrastructure security. The bill already advanced the Senate in October and now heads to the president’s desk for signature.
“Today’s vote is a significant step to stand up a federal government cybersecurity agency,” DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said. “The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, and we need to ensure we’re properly positioned to defend America’s infrastructure from threats digital and physical. It was time to reorganize and operationalize NPPD into the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.”
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, sponsored the bill.
“I also want to thank all the hardworking men and women of NPPD for carrying out our important cybersecurity mission each day within DHS. CISA will help bring the recognition this team deserves and will empower the team to more effectively execute its vital mission,” Nielsen said.
The bill represents progress in the national effort to improve cybersecurity, NPPD Under Secretary Christopher Krebs said.
“Elevating the cybersecurity mission within the Department of Homeland Security, streamlining our operations, and giving NPPD a name that reflects what it actually does will help better secure the nation’s critical infrastructure and cyber platforms. The changes will also improve the Department’s ability to engage with industry and government stakeholders and recruit top cybersecurity talent,” Krebs said.