Bill targets supply chain vulnerabilities

Reps. Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) recently introduced legislation they said would facilitate information sharing from the federal government to the private sector regarding supply chain vulnerabilities.

The Network Security Information Sharing Act addresses the need for greater transparency and communication as a means of securing networks from foreign interference.

“The threat foreign actors pose to the U.S. economy has never been greater,” Doyle said. “Attacks on businesses over the internet or through telecommunications equipment have the potential today to devastate individual companies or entire supply chains. One of the most effective steps the federal government can take to prevent such cyberattacks is to work more closely with advanced communications service providers to eliminate potential backdoors and other supply chain risks.”

The lawmakers said the National Security Information Sharing Act would establish programs to facilitate information sharing.

“The security of American communications and information networks is paramount to our national security,” Kinzinger said. “Certain foreign adversaries have systematically coerced their equipment manufacturers to embed backdoors and other capabilities into their products, which are later purchased by American companies and integrated into our networks. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with my colleague to make sure our private sector can become better aware of these threats and avoid purchasing or installing such dangerous equipment.”

The legislation instructs varied government agencies to establish a program to discuss supply chain risks with advanced communications service providers, particularly the small businesses and those serving rural areas.