Congress passes Internet of Things legislation

Last week, Congress passed an Internet of Things (IoT) legislation, establishing baseline standards for government-purchased Internet-connected devices.

The Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act was introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), garnering unanimous House approval in September, with the Senate passing the legislation with unanimous consent on Nov. 17, 2020. The legislation now heads to the White House.

“The bipartisan Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act will ensure that the US government purchases secure devices and closes existing vulnerabilities to protect our national security and the personal information of American families,” Kelly, co-chair of the House Tech Accountability Caucus, said.

The U.S. House unanimously approved the legislation in September. It passed on the Senate by unanimous consent on the evening of November 17th, 2020.

Officials said Kelly had co-authored four white papers on artificial intelligence (AI) policy, introduced a Congressional resolution calling for a government-wide AI strategy, and reauthorized the US SAFEWEB Act.

“Passing this vital cybersecurity legislation would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of my colleagues and partners: Rep. Will Hurd, Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Cory Gardner. Thank you!” Kelly said. “Sen. Gardner and Rep. Hurd may not be returning next Congress, but their efforts crafting, passing and enacting good cybersecurity legislation will endure for decades with the passage of this legislation.”