Measure addresses foreign government cyberattacks

A group of lawmakers recently introduced the Homeland and Cyber Threat (HACT) Act, which would hold foreign governments accountable for cyberattack damages.

Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), along with Colin Allred (D-TX), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Andy Kim (D-NJ), said the bill would enable Americans to make claims in federal and/or state courts against foreign states conducting or engaging in cyberattacks against Americans.

“Our adversaries are increasingly engaging in sophisticated cyber-attacks designed to disrupt our infrastructure, economy, and now, even to harm our citizens,” Fitzpatrick said. “It is imperative we take immediate action to ensure that we are protecting both our national security and the American people. Our HACT Act establishes support for Americans to fight back against foreign cyberattacks.”

Allred said cyberattacks against American citizens are increasing, and Congress should give citizens the tools needed to combat foreign attacks.

“This legislation does just that by giving Americans the ability to hold foreign governments accountable for damage done by cyberattacks,” he said. “I’m grateful to my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for their work on this timely and commonsense legislation.”

If passed, the measure would eliminate immunity afforded to foreign states in United States courts related to monetary damages sought by Americans for personal injury, harm to reputation, or damage to/loss of property resulting from cyberattacks.