Reps. Ratcliffe, Khanna introduce bill to improve cybersecurity

Legislation to modernize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Continuous Diagnostics Mitigation (CDM) program was introduced in the House this week.

The Advancing Cybersecurity Diagnostics and Mitigation Act, introduced by Reps. John Ratcliffe (R-TX) and Ro Khanna (D-CA), seeks to codify the CDM program at DHS. It also seeks to expand its capabilities to additional agencies at the federal, state, and local level.

The CDM program was created to provide cybersecurity tools, integration services, and dashboards to federal government agencies to help them combat cybersecurity threats.

“As cyber threats continue to increase in frequency and complexity, we must constantly work to enhance our nation’s cyber defense capabilities,” Ratcliffe said. “I’m pleased to be joined by Congressman Khanna and Senators Cornyn and Hassan in our efforts to improve America’s cybersecurity posture by codifying the CDM program and making it available to more agencies at all levels of government.”

An identical version of the bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) in July.

“Our government must have the necessary tools to protect Americans against the massive cybersecurity threats of the 21st century,” Khanna said. “The technology is there: we just have to ensure our agencies have the necessary tools to defend against hackers and cyberthreats. A strong CDM program will be instrumental in that effort. Proud to work across the aisle and partner with Rep. Ratcliffe on this critical issue.”