Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn., and Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Chairman Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., have reintroduced legislation to address China-backed cyberattacks.
Enhancing Cybersecurity Against China-Backed Threats
The Committee on Homeland Security said Tuesday the “Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act” mandates the federal government to evaluate and neutralize the growing cyberthreats to crucial infrastructure coming from China, possibly with the involvement of the Chinese Communist Party, or CCP.
Laurel Lee, R-Fla., who initially introduced the bill, joins the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenar, R-Mich., as cosponsors of the bill.
In a letter sent to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last month, Green and Garbarino signified their concerns regarding the government’s handling of the widespread cyberattacks by alleged CPP-backed groups Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon, which are considered advanced, persistent threat actors.
“The Chinese Communist Party is the greatest foreign adversary we face and Beijing continues to use cyberspace as a battlefield on which to undermine American sovereignty and interests,” said Ogles. “In the wake of attacks by CCP-backed actors against our critical infrastructure and even their intrusions into the campaign communications of President Trump and Vice President Vance, we must ensure the government is coordinating effectively to make sure this never happens again,” he added.
“I fear the recent ‘Typhoon’ intrusions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the CCP’s espionage and pre-positioning in our infrastructure. With new threats mounting every day, our response must be a coordinated, whole-of-government effort,” stated Green.
“This legislation directs a focused, interagency response to identify, assess and disrupt these persistent threats,” said Garbarino.
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