U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) reintroduced a series of bills this week designed to improve cybersecurity, help first responders, protect federal elections, and strengthen homeland security.
One is the FRIENDS Act (H.R. 42), which would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a study on the circumstances that may impact first responders, before, during or after a disaster or terrorist event. She also reintroduced Cyber Vulnerability Disclosure Reporting Act (H.R. 43), which requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to the Congress on cyber vulnerability disclosures. Finally, Jackson-lee sponsored the Cyber Defense National Guard Act (H.R. 57), which seeks to examine the feasibility of establishing a Civilian Cyber Defense National Resource.
“The work that the Committee on Homeland Security does to help keep our nation safe is immeasurable. As senior member of the Committee and member since the Committee’s inception, I know firsthand the work done by the Committee, and the harms prevented by its work,” Jackson Lee said. “Yet, there is so much work to be done to enhance our safety and disaster preparedness.”
The Texas congresswoman also re-introduced the Protect Our Elections bill (H.R. 52), which requires a report from the Department of Homeland Security on the vulnerability of electoral apparatuses to attack from external forces. Jackson Lee said it is critical for the Department of Homeland Security to respond to threats to federal elections.
“Taken together, these bills will enhance the nation’s preparedness to respond to disasters, terrorist threats and incidents, and to safeguard our democracy in the 21st Century,” Jackson Lee said. “I look forward to shepherding these bills to final passage.”