▶ 0:08:42Quorum being present, the committee will be in order. Committee is meeting today for consideration of HR5079, the widespread information management of the welfare of infrastructure and government act. HR5078, the Pillar Act, HR 1731, gener generative AI terrorism risk assessment act, HR2212, the DHS Intelligence Rotational Assignment Program and Law Enforcement Support Act, HR2259, the National Strategy for School Security Act.
▶ 0:09:11HR2261, the Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act, the Pipeline Security Act. Without objection, the chair is authorized to declare the committee in recess at any pursuant to committee rule 7C. Any requests for recorded votes may be postponed. I now recognize myself for an opening statement. Morning everyone. Thank you for being here.
▶ 0:09:37I'd like to begin by saying how honored I am to serve as chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Before we begin, I would like to address the horrific targeted shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minnesota. My prayers are with the people of Minneapolis, the Annunciation Paris community, the grieving families, and all those injured in this unacceptable act of violence at a house of worship. With that, I ask that you all please join me in a moment of silence.
▶ 0:10:08Thank you. I'd also uh like to uh point out and if you had not heard uh our colleague on this committee, Mr. Swallwell, uh his mother unexpectedly passed. Um so he will not be with us today. So if you have, if you can reach out to him and and offer your condolences, that would be uh great. Um he's a very active member of this committee when I was chair of the cyber committee.
▶ 0:10:30Was a great member to work As a lifelong New Yorker who represents a district forever marked by the September 11th attacks, my tenure as chairman and our path forward for this committee will be guided by the phrase never forget. Securing the homeland is an American imperative. I hope for productive partnership where possible. Every member of this committee has shared a mission that the American people are counting on us to succeed in and that is strengthening our homeland security for generations to come.
▶ 0:10:59This vital partnership continues with our markup. Today we will consider and hopefully advance seven pieces of legislation, all which have bipartisan support. My bill, the widespread information management for the welfare and infrastructure and governance act or wimwig reauthorizes a vital tool for our nation's collective cyber defense, the cyber security information sharing act 2015.
▶ 0:11:20Over the last decade, the law has provided a framework for voluntary information sharing across the public and private sectors and between private sector entities regarding cyber threats facing our networks. Reauthorizing this law and ensuring the relevance of this framework before it expires is essential for maintaining our cyber resilience. The protecting information by local leaders for agency resilience act or pillar act introduced by congressman Ogles reauthorizes the state and local cyber security grant program.
▶ 0:11:49This program invests in our future of our communities by helping state, local, and tribal and territorial governments build their cyber defenses. To strengthen DHS's core counterterrorism mission and evolving threats, we will consider legislation introduced by Chairman Fluger of the Counterterrorism Intelligence Subcommittee. The Generative AI terrorism risk assessment act works to examine how foreign terrorist groups could weaponize artificial intelligence to recruit and radicalize individuals both on US soil and globally.
▶ 0:12:19The act of evil committed at Nunciation Catholic School last week is another stark reminder of the threats facing the most vulnerable in our communities. That's why Congressman Gonzalez's national strategy for school security act aims to create a whole of government effort to help America's school districts develop and improve emergency plans to keep our kids safe. Information sharing between DHS components is key to enhancing public safety efforts and the mission of the department as a whole. Rep.
▶ 0:12:48McKenzie's DHS intelligence r rotational assignment program and law enforcement support act would require DHS personnel in the office of intelligence and analysis to participate in a program that increas increases collaboration across the intelligence community as part of the committee's oversight efforts. Res resident commissioner Hernandez's strengthening oversight of DHS intelligence act will help improve how DHS handles intelligence to better protect privacy and civil liberties.
▶ 0:13:16Defending our nation's critical infrastructure is essential to safeguarding our way of life. The Pipeline Security Act, introduced by Rep. Johnson, will codify the Transportation Security Administration's role in protecting pipelines from terrorist or cyber security threats. I support every bill under consideration of today's markup, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Thank you again for joining me today. I look forward to getting started. I now recognize the ranking member, M. Benny Thompson from Mississippi, to make an opening statement.
▶ 0:13:45Thank you, Mr. Chairman, uh, first of all, I want to begin by congratulating you on your local chairmanship and thanking you for your initial outreach to me as ranking member. I also want to express my condolences to uh, Mr. Swallwell for the loss of his mother. Uh, he indicated in my conversation that other than that, he had been looking forward to being at the markup.
▶ 0:14:14As I said when we spoke, Democrats will work with you where we can. And where we disagree, we will try to do so without being disagreeable. But when we we will never stop fighting for our fundamental values and the people who sent us here to represent them. I appreciate your stated commitment to bipartisanship and look forward to seeing that commitment in action going forward. Today's markup is a commendable start.
▶ 0:14:45For example, I'm pleased that the committee is considering HR 2261, the strengthening oversight of DHS Intelligence Act, authored by Representative Hum Hernandez of Puerto Rico. The bill would ensure that the information and intelligence distributed by DHS to protect communities does not infringe upon Americans constitutional rights.
▶ 0:15:12The bill was reported favorably out of the counterterrorism and intelligence subcommittee in March. I look forward to a similar outcome before the full committee today. Thank you, Rep. Hernandez, for your leadership on this important issue. I'm also pleased the committee is considering the Pipeline Security Act offered by Representative Johnson of Texas.
▶ 0:15:38The bill would codify TSA's longstanding role as a primary federal agency with oversight of pipeline security. The 2021 Colonial Pipeline Cyber Attack highlighted the importance of strengthening TSA's statutory authority on pipeline security. I commend Representative Johnson for her efforts on this bill. Finally, Mr.
▶ 0:16:04Chairman, I'm pleased that you are committed to extending the authorities provided by the Cyber Information Sharing Act of 2015, commonly referred to as CISA 2015. I've long been committed to ensuring these fundamental authorities do not lapse.
▶ 0:16:22Having said that, I'm concerned that the process used to vet changes to this legislation was cut short Given the critical nature of SIS's 2015 authorities, committee Democrats advocated for a clean extension to allow stakeholders a more full wholesome review of proposed edits to the legislation.
▶ 0:16:46I still believe that would be the best approach, but appreciate the edits you agreed to in the hours before the markup to address several concerns from stakeholders. More improvements will be necessary as the legislative process moves forward and I'm glad to have your commitment to working with us on those changes and obviously we'll do our best to hold you to it. Again, Mr. Chairman, congratulations on your chairmanship.
▶ 0:17:16I look forward to working with you in your new role today and for the rest of Congress. Gentleman yields back. Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR5079, the widespread information management for the welfare of infrastructure and government act. The bill was circulated in advance and printed copies are available. The clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 0:17:43HR50C79 offered by Chairman Garber.
▶ 0:17:47Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and is considered read and open to amendment at any point. I now recognize myself for the purpose of offering an amendment in the nature of the substitute. Clerk will report the amendment in the nature of the substitute.
▶ 0:18:00An amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR50.
▶ 0:18:03Without objection, the reading is dispensed with and with and the amendment in the nature of the substitute shall be considered base text for the purpose of further amendment. I recognize myself to speak on the The Cyber Security Information Sharing Act of 2015 changed the cyber security landscape forever and for the better. This vital authority created a privacy protecting framework for real-time cyber threat information sharing.
▶ 0:18:25Indeed, the protections CISA 2015 provides to the private sector have encouraged proactive information sharing to get to get ahead of cyber threats. It also improved the collaboration of our public and private sectors leading to a more comprehensive threat picture as a bedrock of cyber security ecosystem. A lapse in CISA 2015 would significantly slow down or even halt the information sharing of our cyber defenders uh that they depend on.
▶ 0:18:53We cannot let this happen which is something we heard Secretary Nome talk about last time she was in front of this That's why we are kicking off our first markup with this bill, the widespread information management of the welfare of infrastructure and government act, WIMwig, the reauthoration bill for CISA 2015, which was co-sponsored by Representative McCall. Representative McCall, I want to thank you personally for your leadership on this bill 10 years ago and for your continued commitment to improving our nation's cyber security posture.
▶ 0:19:24I would also like to thank Brian Bonacci, chief of staff for SISA, as well as DHS's legislative affairs team for attending today's hearing. We appreciate the continued support DHS and SISA, the agency, have provided for this uh reauthorization, beginning with Secretary Gnome's statement and support earlier this year. We look forward to working with you and other agencies in the Trump administration to get this reauthorization to the finish line.
▶ 0:19:49Finally, I would like to thank the more than 20 stakeholders who have offered statements of support for this bill so far. I'd like to submit them all for the Your partnership among the countless others who helped us produce this bill is imperative to our success. We recognize that today is only the first step. We are committed to working with our colleagues in the House and in the Senate to ensure the reauthorization remains relevant and effective for the next 10 years.
▶ 0:20:15The Wimwig Act captures an array of industry feedback that we have heard all over all uh the all over the course of this bill it changes the name CIS 2015 to Wimwig to ensure there is no confusion between CIS of the agency and this bill updates definitions to capture new tactics and attack services.
▶ 0:20:37It encourages the use of secure artificial intelligence to share information and improve technical It improves actionable birectional information sharing between the public and private sector. It improves accountability for DHS's technical capability required by CISA 2015 and extends the authorization for 10 more years. Importantly, it preserves existing privacy protections.
▶ 0:21:03America faces a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape with nation state actors and criminals growingly growing increasingly sophisticated by the day. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the Wimwig Act to sustain the trust built among the cyber security ecosystem and to strengthen our cyber security posture. Does anyone else wish to speak on the
▶ 0:21:24A gentleman from Mississippi is
▶ 0:21:26Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As I mentioned in my opening statement, I appreciate your commitment to extending the important authorities provided by the Cyber Security Information Sharing Act of 2015. Like you, I'm committed to ensuring that CISA 2015 does not lapse. I've made that clear in every public statement I've made on the subject all year.
▶ 0:21:52While I appreciate the committee has taken an important step forward in the reauthorization process with today's markup, I'd be remiss if I did not put on the record my concerns with the process and my expectations about how this and future bills will be worked moving forward. We have known for 10 years that CISA 2015 would expire on 20 on September 30th.
▶ 0:22:19Unfortunately, the committee did not begin the reauthorization process in earnest until this summer. Moreover, the truncated vetting process limited the opportunities solicit feedback from a broad range of stakeholders. Indeed, the text of what we are considering today was made public for the first time only 48 hours ago.
▶ 0:22:44As a result, members may not have the benefit of the full complement of expertise a robust vetting process yields. The runs that runs counter to how the committee has historically navigated cyber policy through the legislative process. Over time, the committee has built a strong reputation for working closely with a wide range of stakeholders.
▶ 0:23:12We do that to ensure the policy we draft has the impact we intend and that we have the opportunity to understand and address concerns raised. I hope you can commit to returning to a more thorough process in the future, including on efforts to continue moving the CISA 2015 reauthorization through the legislative process.
▶ 0:23:36I've made clear on multiple occasions that I believe a clean 10-year extension is the most expeditious path forward and will provide the government's private sector partners the certainty they need to continue partnering with the government. Having said that, getting CISA 2015 across the finish line is up to you, Mr.
▶ 0:23:59chairman and in a show of good faith to work collaboratively with you on shared priorities and reaffirm my commitment to extending sisters 2015. I will support the measure before us today. It's my expectations that we will engage a much broader range of stakeholders on this language as the bill progresses including the ranking members of the other committees of jurisdiction.
▶ 0:24:27We must also continue to seek input from experts on privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties to ensure that there are no unintended consequences to the changes proposed by the bill. I will support moving this bill forward in the legislative process today provided the committee adopts your amendment to the ANS making certain edits.
▶ 0:24:52I will also continue to consult members and stakeholders before making any decisions about supporting the enactment of the legislative provisions before us today. Mr. Chairman, I look forward to continuing to work with you to ensure that CISA 2015 authorities do not lapse. With that, I yield back. Gentleman yields back. Does anyone else wish to speak on the amendment in this nature substitute? Uh,
▶ 0:25:20Mr. Chairman,
▶ 0:25:21gentleman recognizes the man the gentleman from Texas. Uh let me first of all congratulate you on your new position as chairman of the full committee and thank you for the work you did uh chairing the cyber security subcommittee. Uh I've always considered this to be one of the important issu you know issues we face as a nation and um I think it's fitting and I want to thank you for uh kicking off your first markup with this very bill.
▶ 0:25:48Cyber security has always been a bipartisan uh effort. the ranking member and I worked on the 2015 version. Um we I worked with Secretary Jay Johnson to ensure its authorization into law. Um at the time um I guess Benny recalls but maybe not too many others weren't around.
▶ 0:26:11We had quite a battle between this committee and the House Intelligence Committee because they wanted the role of CISA to be played uh under the National Security Agency. Um there were all sorts of privacy issues that came up with that. The Snowden case came out.
▶ 0:26:31Um, we thought it was fitting to have a agency as the lead agency for sharing information to the private sector and I do think the test of time has shown that that was the correct uh decision. We had to enhance its capabilities but I do think the SISA of today uh is far better than the SISA passed in 2015.
▶ 0:27:00uh they had some growing pains but thanks to the good work of you sir and others on this committee uh I think its capabilities have been uh really um a very important part of our defense of our homeland and in this nation from a cyber threat that is ever growing and ever threatening and so again thanks for bringing this measure forward and I'm glad you started out this markup with this bill
▶ 0:27:28gentleman yields back does anyone else wish to speak on the amendment of nature substitute. Gentle lady from South Carolina is recognized.
▶ 0:27:37Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I'll be brief. Um, I appreciate your messaging um on the side and being able to talk to me about my concerns, but uh the one thing I do want to ask is that will you please commit to working with Senator Paul and the Senate to include explicit anti-ensorship language to prevent SISA from being used to moderate political
▶ 0:28:07Uh, as I explained to the gentle lady, um, gentle lady yields or as I explained to gentle lady, I I did speak with the senator last night. Um, and he did discuss a piece of legislation that he has that affects SISA, the agency. Um, and I and he and I are going to continue to discuss that and work on and work with SISA, especially once uh Mr.
▶ 0:28:31Planky is confirmed as director um to make sure uh that the agency is focused uh on uh what it's supposed to be doing. Uh and we had a very good call and um Senator knows we're marking this bill up today. Again, this is separate from the agency. This is specifically for information sharing. That's why we're changing the name because there was a big confusion uh that this um that we could actually change things in CIS as part of this.
▶ 0:28:59It's not gerine to this bill. Uh but yes, you have as I told you on the on the side, I will be working with the chairman as I have to on a lot of things in the Senate. We are here for lawmaking exercises. We are not just here to pass bills and have them die in the Senate. I'm sure the Senate doesn't want to pass bills and have them die here. Uh we're here to make things better.
▶ 0:29:20Um and uh I I I'm going to work with the ranking member here and I'm going to work with uh with Senator um Paul over in the Senate to make sure uh that what we pass we can do is uh we can do it together in these act and we can get it on the president's desk for him to sign. So you do have you do have my word on that. Uh Miss BGS I yield. All right. Does the does the lady yield back? Okay. Does anyone else wish to speak on the amendment of the nature substitute? I now recognize the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Crane. 5
▶ 0:29:51Uh, Mr. Chairman, I have a unanimous consent request to enter into the record a report from the Judiciary Committee titled The Weaponization of CISA: How a Cyber Security Agency colluded with big tech and disinformation partners to censor Americans. I basically have the exact same concern as Mrs. Biggs, and I just want to go on the record uh stating that I understand that cyber security is very important.
▶ 0:30:17And I think all of us agree upon that, but I'm very concerned about CIS's past behavior to censor Americans free speech. And so I just wanted the same commitment from you that you would work with Senator Paul and this committee to make sure that since C SISA is staying focused on what they're supposed to be focused on.
▶ 0:30:36Without objection, uh is entered. And you would you like me to respond?
▶ 0:30:41Yep. Um gentleman yields. I will just again uh everything I just said is I I will stand by but I'm really looking forward to uh working with the new director of CIS as well. I think everybody is going to appreciate um having Mr. Planky in there. I think he is I definitely think he's the right man uh to lead that job and I think he has bipartisan support.
▶ 0:31:05I I know he did and I know the previous directors are supportive because I they he has I think he's going to be able to lead that agency to focus on the job that it was supposed to be doing which is protecting critical infrastructure and cyber security. Thank you. Uh so I yield back and gentleman yields back.
▶ 0:31:21Does anyone else wish to speak on the amendment of the nature substitute?
▶ 0:31:26Okay. There are no amendments on the roster is now in order to consider amendments at the desk. I recognize myself for an amendment at the desk. Amendment 47 to the amendment in the nature of the substitute to HR5079. Clerk will distribute the amendment.
▶ 0:32:49The clerk will report the amendment.
▶ 0:32:51An amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR.
▶ 0:32:55Without objection, the reading is dispensed with. I recognize myself for five minutes to speak on the amendment. We accepted a few last pieces of feedback to make technical clarifications to this bill and to enhance privacy protections on privacy on on privacy. The updated text ensures AI deployment align it the ensures AI deployment aligns with privacy and civil liberties guidelines developed under the bill and ensures CTIS and DMs related to AR captured.
▶ 0:33:23We did we did actually receive a lot of uh privacy requests on this and we have made the the changes to make sure the privacy protections are stronger are strong if not stronger than the original bill. That is something that a lot of people spoke to us about and we and we listened. Uh broader stakeholder feedback edits include removing the sector risk management agency language which will instead clarify in bill language bill report language and ensuring AI tools are not accidentally limited by putting restrictions on how they are developed.
▶ 0:33:52I want to again thank the ranking member for working with me on this critical reauthorization. Does anyone else wish to speak on the amendment? There's no further debate. The question is on agreeing to the amendment to the amendment the nature of the substitute HR5079 offered by myself. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed no. In the opinion of uh and I request a roll call vote. Voice. Yep.
▶ 0:34:25No. No. You have to do roll call. Oh no. Okay. Okay. Okay. Sorry. Sorry. We'll just voice on this. Are there any amendments to the amendment in the nature of the substitute? Hearing none, the question is on agreeing to the amendment in the nature of a substitute as amended offered by myself. All those in favor signify by saying I.
▶ 0:34:42All those opposed say no. The opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the amendment and the nature of the substitute as amended is agreed to.
▶ 0:34:50One more time. All right. The question now occurs on the reporting the bill HR5079 as amended. It's the house with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have the motion is agreed to. The clerk will now call the role.
▶ 0:35:08Mr. McCall
▶ 0:35:10Mr. McCall votes I. Mr. Guest
▶ 0:35:15Mr. Guest votes I. Mr. Jimenez.
▶ 0:35:19Mr. Jimenez votes I. Mr. Fluger. Mr. Fluger votes I. Miss Green. Mr. Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez votes I. Mr.
▶ 0:35:33Mr. Latrell votes I. Mr. Strong.
▶ 0:35:38Mr. Bkine I.
▶ 0:35:40Mr. Bkine votes I. Mr. Crane.
▶ 0:35:45Mr. Crane votes I. Mr. Ogles.
▶ 0:35:48Mr. Ogles votes I. Mrs. Biggs.
▶ 0:35:52Mrs. Biggs votes I. Mr. Evans
▶ 0:35:56Mr. Evans votes I. Mr. McKenzie
▶ 0:36:00Mr. McKenzie votes I. Mr. Knot. Mr. Knot votes I. Ranking member Thompson
▶ 0:36:08Ranking member Thompson votes I. Mr. Suo. Mr. Koreah.
▶ 0:36:15Mr. Koreah votes I. Mr. Tanadar.
▶ 0:36:18Mr. Tanadar votes I. Mr. Magaziner. Mr. Goldman. Mrs. Ramirez.
▶ 0:36:27Mrs. Ramirez votes I. Mr. Kennedy
▶ 0:36:32Mr. Kennedy votes I.
▶ 0:36:34Mrs. McCyver
▶ 0:36:36Mrs. McCyver votes I. Miss Johnson.
▶ 0:36:40Miss Johnson votes I. Mr. Hernandez.
▶ 0:36:44Mr. Hernandez votes I. Miss Poe.
▶ 0:36:48Miss Poe votes I. Mr. Carter I.
▶ 0:36:52Mr. Carter votes I. Mr. Green.
▶ 0:36:59Clerk, how am I recorded?
▶ 0:37:01The chairman is not recorded.
▶ 0:37:02Chair votes I.
▶ 0:37:04Chairman Garabino votes I. Uh, Mr. Goldman is not recorded.
▶ 0:37:08Vote I.
▶ 0:37:09Mr. Goldman votes I.
▶ 0:37:11Is there anyone who is not recorded that wish to be? Clerk will report the tally.
▶ 0:37:22Mr. Mr. Chairman, on that vote there were 25 eyes's and zero nazs.
▶ 0:37:26The eyes have it and the motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Pursuant to notice, I now call upon HR5078, the protecting information by local leaders for agency resilient acts resilient act. The bill was circulated in advance and printed copies are available. The clerk shall designate the offered. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispenseed with and is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Gentleman from Tennessee, Mr. Ogles is recognized for 5 minutes on his measure.
▶ 0:37:57Hey, Mr. Chairman. Uh, in an increasingly digital world, cyber security is just not a federal concern. It is a pressing issue at the state and local levels where critical services and sensitive data are most vulnerable. As county executive in Tennessee, I saw firsthand the critical need to secure a vulnerable information technology, IT, and operational technology systems, OT. And Mr.
▶ 0:38:21Chairman, in our hearing, there was testimony that roughly 98% of municipalities operate at below the cyber poverty line, meaning that they don't have the budget or don't spend enough monies to protect their cyber security. Our state and local governments not only need to guard against cyber criminals, but against nation state actors who will target our critical networks, especially in small and rural communities. That's why I'm proud to introduce the Pillar Act, which reauthorizes the state and local cyber security grant program at DHS.
▶ 0:38:52This program provides federal resources to our frontline entities responsible for protecting essential public services. It also gives our local comms the certainty that they need to plan ahead. State and local governments handle everything from residents personal data to the controls of our power, water, and emergency services. Many, especially smaller or rural communities, lack the staff and technology to defend against cyber attacks, making them prime targets for ransomware and data breaches and service disrupting attacks.
▶ 0:39:22My county and others in Tennessee face cy attacks by cyber criminals. In some counties, the effects were costly. Other communities such as St. Paul, Minnesota and state of Nevada have experienced worse. The paralysis of emergency response systems, the compromise of public records, and millions in recovery costs. Many local governments have a long way to go to be prepared for coordinated attacks by adversaries like the ch the Chinese Communist Party.
▶ 0:39:47President Trump's March executive order entitled Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness underscored the importance of the federal government empowering our communities to better prepare for cyber attacks. The Pillar Act gives the them the initial resources they need. The pillar act authorizes the cyber grant for 10 years. Stabilizes the cost share at 60% for single entities or 70% for multi-entity groups.
▶ 0:40:14Incentivizes implementation of multifactor authent authentication across state and local critical infrastructure. Highlights the importance of securing systems that include OT and artificial intelligence. Encourages direct outreach not only to rural communities but to other small communities that may lack resources. It requires states to take responsibility for the funding of these protections long term.
▶ 0:40:36I usually want Washington to do less, but this but it must be ours to not leave our local communities and governments exposed. The question is whether we help state law local authorities prepared now or wait until catastrophic forces. Heavier-handed federal action is required in the future. Supporting the Pillar Act is a ma matter of national security and investment in the safety of our essential services and digital infrastructure. As threats evolve, we cannot afford to leave any local government unprepared.
▶ 0:41:04This bill makes clear every community, big or small, needs the tools to defend itself. I urge the support of the Pillar Act. When our local governments are secure, our nation is stronger. Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
▶ 0:41:17Gentleman yields back. Does anyone else wish to speak on the bill?
▶ 0:41:20Mr. Chairman,
▶ 0:41:21uh, ranking member is recognized.
▶ 0:41:23Thank you very much. Uh four years ago, bipartisan members of this committee led by Congresswoman Ivet Clark established the state and local cyber security grant program as part of the bipartisan infrastructure law because we recognize that securing publiclyowned critical infrastructure must be a national security priority.
▶ 0:41:47The federal government could not leave state and local governments to fend for themselves against sophisticated state actors or transnational criminal gangs who are launching ransomware attacks that devastated state and local budgets and interrupted vital government services. The $1 billion Congress provided the program has strengthened our national security.
▶ 0:42:12Testimony before the cyber security subcommittee earlier this year demonstrated how the funding has resulted in tangible examples of cyber attacks prevented by the grants. State and local stateo stakeholders and the private sector have consistently praised the program for its security impacts and highlighted how its governance provisions have facilitated strategic collaboration between state and local governments.
▶ 0:42:43Unfortunately, if Congress does not act, funding for these grants will soon run dry, and the progress we've made so far will halt, even as the threats facing state and local governments continue to increase. With China prepositioning on critical infrastructure networks in advance of a potential conflict, we must act now to secure publicly own critical infrastructure.
▶ 0:43:11State and local governments own and operate utilities, hospital, transportation networks, and other critical infrastructure that are vulnerable to disruptive attacks. Reauthorizing the state and local cyber security grant program will help us better defend our homeland from these threats. I'm glad this legislation will extend the program for 10 years and provide a consistent cost share arrangement with states.
▶ 0:43:40In particular, I appreciate the bill's provision to improve engagement with small underresourced governments. Of course, this markup is just the first step to extending this important grant program. As the bill continues to progress through the House and Senate, we will continue to work with stakeholders to make additional refinements.
▶ 0:44:04I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill enacted into law and most importantly convincing our colleagues on the appropriation committee to provide the funding necessary to implement it. I'd like to thank ranking member Swallwell for co-sponsoring this bill as well as Representative Ogles for his leadership on this effort.
▶ 0:44:28I'd also like to thank Chairman Gavino for his steadfast support of the state and local cyber security grant program throughout his tenure in Congress. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on HR 5078 and yield back.
▶ 0:44:45Gentleman yields back. Does anyone wish to speak on the bill? I'll just recognize myself. I want to thank uh Congressman Ogles uh for leading on this. Uh he's been a great member, an active member of uh the subcommittee. Uh and as someone who came from the local government sector, you know, the importance of these and um this grant program has helped us become safer, especially our critical infrastructure. Uh we've everyone who has used it has has has said so. Uh and China and Russia are waiting.
▶ 0:45:15They are hoping that this lapses uh because they are looking for vulnerabilities. Uh they they attack us every day and they are looking for vulnerabilities and that's why I appreciate the gentleman uh taking the lead on this and uh would the gentleman like to and I'd like to yield to the gentleman quickly.
▶ 0:45:33Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And and I just want to echo the ranking member that, you know, the these grants obviously you might have domestic attacks, but but a lot of these or most of these attacks are emanating from bad actors, state actors, nefarious actors who have billions of dollars at their disposal to attack our critical infrastructure. And like my colleague Mr.
▶ 0:45:57Crane and Miss Biggs, I have concerns as we go forward uh of keeping CISA accountable and the privacy concerns, but as we move forward and understanding that China attacks us every single day, these state and local grants are critical because that's where they're attacking. If they can take down a a water system or electrical grid or hospital in rural America, they'll do that and they'll do it over and over again.
▶ 0:46:21So, it's important that we empower these small communities like the one I came from, the one that was attacked that we were able we had put in uh imple we had implemented uh stop gaps so that we could reboot our system and we would not have gas. But you look at St. Paul, you look at some of these other communities that did not do that and they they were out for days and millions of dollars on the back end. So, it's a it's critical, Mr. Chairman, again, I think everyone who was involved in this, but as someone who's lived it, who prepared for it and it worked, I think uh we we've got to move this forward. I yield back.
▶ 0:46:51Gentlemen yields back. I yield back. Are there any amendments to the bill? Hearing none. The question is reporting bill HR5078 to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor say I.
▶ 0:47:02I. All those opposed say no. Depending the chair, the eyes have. And the motion is agreed to. Clerk will call the role.
▶ 0:47:09Mr. McCall.
▶ 0:47:11Mr. McCall votes I. Mr. Guest.
▶ 0:47:14Mr. Guest votes I. Mr. Aimenez.
▶ 0:47:18Mr. Mr. Mennez votes I. Mr. Fluger. Mr. Fluger votes I. Miss Green. Mr. Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez votes I. Mr. Latrell. Mr. Latrell votes I. Mr. Mr. Bkine.
▶ 0:47:37Mr. Bine votes no. Mr. Crane. Mr. Crane votes I. Mr. Ogles.
▶ 0:47:46Mr. Ogles votes I. Mrs. Bigs. Mrs. Biggs votes I. Mr. Evans.
▶ 0:47:53Mr. Evans votes I. Mr. McKenzie.
▶ 0:47:57Mr. McKenzie votes I. Mr. Knot. Ranking member Thompson.
▶ 0:48:03Ranking member Thompson votes I. Mr. Swallwell. Mr. Koreah. Mr. Tannidar. Mr. Tanadar. Votes. I. Mr. Magaziner. Mr. Goldman. Mr. Mr. Goldman votes I. Mrs. Ramirez. Mrs. Ramirez votes I. Mr. Kennedy
▶ 0:48:24Mr. Kennedy votes I. Mrs. Macccyver
▶ 0:48:28Mrs. Macgyver votes I. Miss Johnson. Miss Johnson votes I. Mr. Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez votes I. Miss Poe. Mr. Carter.
▶ 0:48:42Mr. Carter votes I. Mr. Green.
▶ 0:48:49How's the chair recorded?
▶ 0:48:50Uh, the chair has not been recorded.
▶ 0:48:52I I vote I.
▶ 0:48:54Chairman Garberino votes I.
▶ 0:48:55Are there other members who wish to have their votes recorded?
▶ 0:48:59Clerk will report the tally.
▶ 0:49:01Mr. Chairman, on that vote, there were 21 eyes and one no.
▶ 0:49:05The eyes have it. Motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion is to rec motion reconsider is laid on the table. Pursuing to notice, I now call up HR 1736, a generative AI terrorism risk assessment act. The bill was circulated in advance and printed copies are available. Clerk shall designate the
▶ 0:49:23Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and it is considered read and open to amendment at any point. I'm now recognized Mr. Fluger for the purpose of offering an amendment in the nature of the substitute. The clerk will report the amendment in the nature substitute.
▶ 0:49:35An amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without objection, the reading is dispensed with and the amendment is a nature substitute shall be considered before shall be considered base text for the purpose of further amendment. Gentleman from Texas is recognized for five minutes on his amendment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to speak in favor of this. The generative AI terrorism risk assessment act. Earlier this year, the subcommittee on counterterrorism and intelligence held a hearing to examine how foreign terrorist organizations use Generative AI or Genai to recruit and radicalize lonewolf actors on the internet.
▶ 0:50:03And the subcommittee found that FTO's use Genai for online radicalization by producing highly convincing propaganda videos to fabricate events and to manipulate the perception of potential recruits. Known terrorist organizations like ISIS or al-Qaeda and others have gone uh so far as to have AI workshops to train members on its use.
▶ 0:50:26This legislation would require DHS to conduct annual assessments on the terrorism threats posed to the United States by terrorist organizations utilizing or attempting to utilize generative uh artificial intelligence applications. And this bill is crucial right now to respond to the emerging threats of tomorrow. The use of Genai is on the rise with new models coming online more and more frequently.
▶ 0:50:47This uh amendment to nature of substitute will not only provide flexibility for DHS to focus on the use of genai including when it's incorporated into systems outside of applications like chat GPT but also grants the department a full year after enactment to develop and coordinate the report with ODNI allowing for the necessary resources and staff sharing to fulfill the bill's requirements. I thank my colleagues for advancing this legislation and I urge uh both Republicans and Democrats to support it. Thank you and yield back.
▶ 0:51:18Does anyone wish to speak on the amendment in the nature of the Are there any amendments to the amendment in the nature of the substitute? Hearing none, the question is on agreeing to the amendment in the nature of the substitute offered by Mr. Fluger. All those in favor say I.
▶ 0:51:31All those opposed say no. The opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the amendment the nature of the substitute is agreed to. Quest the request now occurs on reporting the bill HR1736 as amended to house with favorable recommendation. All those in favor say I.
▶ 0:51:46All those opposed say no. Opinion of the chair. The eyes have it. Motion is agreed to. Clerk will call the role. Mr.
▶ 0:51:55Mr. McCall votes I. Mr. Guest.
▶ 0:51:59Mr. Guest votes I. Mr. Aimenez.
▶ 0:52:02Mr. Aimenez votes I. Mr. Fluger. Mr. Fluger votes I. Miss Green. Mr. Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez votes I. Mr.
▶ 0:52:15Mr. Latrell votes I. Mr. Strong Mr.
▶ 0:52:21Mr. Bkin votes I. Mr. Crane. Mr. Crane votes I. Mr. Ogles. Mr. Ogles votes I. Mrs. Biggs. Mrs. Biggs votes I. Mr.
▶ 0:52:35Mr. Evans votes I. Mr. McKenzie.
▶ 0:52:39Mr. McKenzie votes I. Mr. Knot. Ranking member Thompson.
▶ 0:52:45Ranking member Thompson votes I. Mr. Suwell. Mr. Koreah. Mr. Tanadar.
▶ 0:52:52Mr. Tanadar votes I. Mr. Magaziner. Mr. Goldman.
▶ 0:52:58Mr. Goldman votes I. Mrs. Ramirez. Mrs. Ramirez votes I. Mr. Kennedy.
▶ 0:53:06Mr. Kennedy votes I. Mrs. McGyver. Miss Johnson. Miss Johnson votes I. Mr. Mr. Hernandez votes I. Miss Poe. Mr. Carter.
▶ 0:53:22Mr. Carter votes I. Mr. Green. How's the chair recorded?
▶ 0:53:29Chair has not yet been recorded. I vote I.
▶ 0:53:33Chairman Garberino votes I. Are there other members who wish to have their votes recorded? Clerk will report the tally. Mr. Chairman, on that vote, there were 21 eyes and zero nazs.
▶ 0:53:46The eyes have it. The motion is agreed to. That objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Pursuit to notice, I now call up HR2212, the DHS Intelligence Rotational Assignment Program and Law Enforcement Support Act. The bill was circulated in advance and printed copies are available. The clerk shall designate the Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and it is considered read and open to amendment at any point. I now recognize Mr. uh McKenzie for the purpose of offering amendment in the nature of the substitute.
▶ 0:54:15The clerk will report the amendment in the nature of the
▶ 0:54:18An amendment in the nature of a
▶ 0:54:19Without objection, the reading is dispensed with and the amendment in the nature of the substitute shall be considered. Base text the purpose of further amendment. Gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized for five minutes on his amendment.
▶ 0:54:29Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word. I rise in support of the ANS to HR2212, the DHS Intelligence Rotational Assignment Program and Law Enforcement Support Act. This legislation requires analysts in the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Intelligence and Analysis, INA, to participate in the Intelligence Community Civilian Joint Duty Program administered by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
▶ 0:54:58The intelligence community civilian joint duty program, also called the rotational assignment program, allows intelligence professionals to serve temporary rotations in other intelligence agencies, strengthening inter agency understanding, integration, and cooperation. Currently, INA analysts are not eligible to participate in this program.
▶ 0:55:19My bill would address this issue to promote greater workforce development in the IC and ensure comprehensive intelligence sharing across our agencies, including Homeland Security. At the time of growing threats to our nation, it's critical that Homeland Security intelligence professionals have access to the resources and experience needed to counter terrorism and other homeland security challenges. I urge my colleagues, both Republican and Democrat, to support this legislation. Thank you. And with that, I yield back.
▶ 0:55:49Does anyone wish to speak on the amendment in the nature of the Are there any amendments to the amendment in the nature of the Hearing none, the question is on agreeing to the amendment in the nature of the substitute offered by Mr. McKenzie. All those in favor say I.
▶ 0:56:02I. All those opposed say no. Opining the chair. The eyes have it and the amendment in the nature of substitute is agreed to. Question now occurs on reporting the bill HR2212 as amended to the house with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor say
▶ 0:56:16I. All those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the motion is agreed to. Clerk will call the role.
▶ 0:56:23Mr. McCall.
▶ 0:56:25Mr. McCall votes I. Mr. Guest.
▶ 0:56:28Mr. Guest votes I. Mr. Aimenez. Mr. Aimenez votes I. Mr. Fluger. Mr. Fluger votes I. Miss Green. Mr. Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez votes I. Mr. Latrell. Mr. Latrell votes I. Mr. Strong Mr. Bkine. Mr. Bkine votes I. Mr. Crane Mr. Crane votes I. Mr. Ogles.
▶ 0:56:56Mr. Ogles votes I. Mrs. Biggs. Mrs. Biggs votes I. Mr. Evans I.
▶ 0:57:04Mr. Evans votes I. Mr. McKenzie.
▶ 0:57:07Mr. McKenzie votes I. Mr. Knot. Ranking member Thompson.
▶ 0:57:13Ranking member Thompson votes I. Mr. Swell Mr. Koreah. Mr. Tanadar,
▶ 0:57:19Mr. Tanadar votes I. Mr. Magaziner, Mr.
▶ 0:57:25Mr. Goldman votes I. Mrs. Ramirez. Mrs. Ramirez votes I. Mr. Kennedy
▶ 0:57:32Mr. Kennedy votes I. Mrs. McCyver
▶ 0:57:36Mrs. McCyver votes I. Miss Johnson
▶ 0:57:39Miss Johnson votes I. Mr. Hernandez I.
▶ 0:57:43Mr. Mr. Hernandez votes I. Miss Poe. Mr. Carter. Mr. Carter votes I. Mr. Green. How's the chair recorded?
▶ 0:57:55Chair has not yet been recorded.
▶ 0:57:56I vote I.
▶ 0:57:57Chairman Garberino votes I.
▶ 0:57:59Are there other members who wish to have their votes recorded? Clerk will report the tally.
▶ 0:58:05Mr. Chairman, on that vote, there were 22 eyes and zero nos.
▶ 0:58:09The eyes have the motion agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Presuming to notice, I now call HR2259, the National Strategy for School Security Act of 2025. This bill was circulated in advance and printed copies are available. Clerk shall designate the
▶ 0:58:27Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and it is considered read and open to amendment at any point. I now recognize Mr. Gonzalez for the purpose of offering an amendment in the nature of the substitute. The clerk will report the amendment in the nature of the substitute.
▶ 0:58:38An amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without objection, the reading is dispensed with an amendment in the nature of the substance shall be considered base text for the purpose of further amendment. Gentleman from Texas is recognized for five minutes on his amendment. Uh thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm pleased that the committee has convened today to mark up HR 2259, the national strategy for school security act. Three years ago, the devastating uh school shooting took place at Rob Elementary in Ualdi in my district, resulting in 19 school deu 19 students killed and two teachers with many injuries.
▶ 0:59:09Regrettably, we continue to see similar uh tragedies take place across the country, including the high school in Georgia, including most recently the Catholic school in Minneapolis, taking the lives of two children and injuring 17 others. The the consensus across federal reports and findings is the lack of coordination at the federal level is a major shortcoming in our school security posture. It's simple. The US government has no strategy. We need we cannot defeat evil if we do not have a strategy.
▶ 0:59:38My bill would implement those findings by requiring better better federal coordination by establishing a national strategy to keep elementary and school and secondary schools especially our schools in rural and underserved areas secure from secure and prepared from school shootings and other acts of terrorism. From this our from this our school districts both large and small can develop and improve their own emergency plans to keep our kids safe.
▶ 1:00:05We must work to implement policies that will better protect our children and pro and provide proper framework that can make a real difference. Let's not wait for another school shooting to happen to make this act. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bipartisan bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back the balance of my time. Gentlemen yells back. Does anyone wish to speak on the amendment in the nature of the substitute? Are there any amendments to the amendment in the nature of substitute? Hearing none. The question is on agreeing to the amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Gonzalez.
▶ 1:00:35All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it. The amendment in the nature of the substitute is agreed to. Question now occurs on reporting the bill HR2259 as amendment to the house with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor say
▶ 1:00:50All those opposed say no. The chair the eyes have it and the motion is agreed to. Clerk will call the role.
▶ 1:00:55Mr. McCall
▶ 1:00:57Mr. McCall votes I. Mr. Guest
▶ 1:01:00Mr. Guest votes I. Mr. Aimenez
▶ 1:01:03Mr. Aimenez votes I. Mr. Fluger.
▶ 1:01:07Mr. Fluger votes I.
▶ 1:01:09Miss Green Mr. Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez votes I. Mr. Latrell Mr. Latrell votes I. Mr. Strong Mr. Bkine.
▶ 1:01:21Mr. Bkine votes I. Mr. Crane Mr. Crane votes I. Mr. Ogles. Mr. Ogles votes I. Mrs. Bigs. Mrs. Biggs votes I. Mr.
▶ 1:01:34Mr. Evans votes I. Mr. McKenzie. Mr. McKenzie votes I. Mr. Nod. Ranking member Thompson. Ranking member Thompson votes I. Mr. Swell. Mr. Koreah. Mr. Tanadar. Mr. Tanadar. Votes I. Mr. Magaziner. Mr. Goldman. Mr. Goldman. Votes I. Mrs. Mrs. Ramirez. Mrs. Ramirez votes I. Mr. Kennedy
▶ 1:02:04Mr. Kennedy votes I. Mrs. McCyver
▶ 1:02:07Mrs. McCyver votes I. Miss Johnson.
▶ 1:02:11Miss Johnson votes I. Mr. Hernandez
▶ 1:02:14Mr. Hernandez votes I. Miss Poe. Mr.
▶ 1:02:20Mr. Carter votes I. Mr. Green.
▶ 1:02:24How's the chair recorded?
▶ 1:02:25Chairman has not been recorded.
▶ 1:02:27Vote I. Chairman Garberino votes I.
▶ 1:02:29Are there other members who wish to have their votes recorded?
▶ 1:02:33Clerk will report the tally.
▶ 1:02:35Mr. Chairman, on that vote, there were 22 eyes's and zero nos.
▶ 1:02:38The eyes have it and the motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion reconsider is laid on the table. Present to notice I now call upon HR2261, strengthening oversight of DHS Intelligence Act. The bill was circulated in advance and printed copies are available. The clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 1:02:53HR2261. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and it is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Gentleman from Puerto Rico, Mr. Hernandez is recognized for 5 minutes on his measure. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and congratulations on your new role. I am pleased that today the committee is considering my bill the strengthening oversight of DHS Intelligence Act, which was reported favorably out of the counterterrorism and intelligence subcommittee in March.
▶ 1:03:20The HSS Office of Intelligence and Analysis or INA has a unique and critical mission. It is the only member of the intelligence community charged with delivering homeland security information and intelligence to state, local, tribal, and territorial law those on the front lines working to keep Americans safe.
▶ 1:03:41INA and the entire DHS intelligence enterprise was established in the wake of September 11 to ensure that we never again failed to connect the dots between law enforcement information and intelligence and ultimately fail to prevent attacks on the homeland. My bill, the strengthening oversight of DHS Intelligence Act, ensures that the information and intelligence distributed by DHS to protect our communities does not infringe upon Americans constitutional rights.
▶ 1:04:11My bill requires that all DHS intelligence products be reviewed by the DHS chief privacy officer and the DHS officer for civil rights and civil liberties. It also requires the privacy and civil rights and civil liberties officers to train senior DHS intelligence personnel on privacy rights, civil rights and civil liberties While INA has some processes in place to verify compliance with internal guidelines for protecting privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties,
▶ 1:04:41my bill will ensure that all DHS intelligence information is shared, retained, and disseminated in a manner consistent with the protection of Americans rights. I thank my colleagues for their support on this measure and I yield back. Gentleman yields back. Does anyone wish to speak on the bill? Gentleman from Colorado, Mr. Evans, is recognized for five minutes.
▶ 1:05:06Thank you, Mr. Chairman, ranking member. Uh, move to strike last word. And I just wanted to thank Mr. Hernandez for bringing the bill. Glad to join you on this piece of legislation. You all know my background, cop for 10 years, uh, military for 12 years, a lot of that time as the intelligence practitioner for my unit. And so, I know we can do two things at once. We can secure the country. We can crush the cartels, the organized crime that's making life so dangerous for everyday Americans. And we can do that while making sure that we are respecting the constitutional and civil liberties uh of our citizens.
▶ 1:05:36It's something that I did every day as a police officer working on the streets. And so again, just wanted to uh thank Mr. Hernandez for bringing the bill and glad to work with you and join you on this measure. Yield back.
▶ 1:05:47Gentleman yields back. Does anyone wish to speak on the bill? Are there any amendments to the bill? Hearing none, the question is reporting the bill fairly to the House. All those in favor say I. I.
▶ 1:05:58All those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have and the motion is agreed to. The clerk will call the role.
▶ 1:06:03Mr. McCall
▶ 1:06:04Mr. McCall votes I. Mr. Guest.
▶ 1:06:08Mr. Guest votes I. Mr. Amen.
▶ 1:06:11Mr. MZ votes I. Mr. Fluger. Miss Green. Mr. Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez votes I. Mr. Latrell. Mr. Latrell votes I. Mr. Strong. Mr. Bkine.
▶ 1:06:26Mr. Bkine votes I. Mr. Crane. Mr. Crane votes I. Mr. Ogles.
▶ 1:06:32Mr. Ogles votes I. Mr. Mrs. Biggs. Mrs. Biggs votes I. Mr. Evans.
▶ 1:06:40Mr. Evans votes I.
▶ 1:06:42Mr. McKenzie.
▶ 1:06:44Mr. McKenzie votes I. Mr. Knot. Ranking member Thompson.
▶ 1:06:50Ranking member Thompson votes I. Mr. Suabella. Mr. Koreah. Mr. Tanadar.
▶ 1:06:56Mr. Canadar votes I. Mr. Magaziner
▶ 1:07:00Mr. Magaziner votes I. Mr. Goldman
▶ 1:07:04Mr. Goldman votes I. Mrs. Ramirez. Mrs. Ramirez votes I. Mr. Kennedy
▶ 1:07:11Mr. Kennedy votes I. Mrs. McCyver
▶ 1:07:14Mrs. McCyver votes I. Miss. Johnson.
▶ 1:07:18Miss. Johnson votes I. Mr. Hernandez.
▶ 1:07:21Mr. Hernandez votes I. Miss Poe. Mr.
▶ 1:07:27Mr. Carter votes I. Mr. Green.
▶ 1:07:32How's the chair recorded?
▶ 1:07:33The chair has not yet been recorded.
▶ 1:07:34I vote I.
▶ 1:07:35Chairman Garberino votes I.
▶ 1:07:37Are there other members who wish to have their votes recorded? Clerk will report the tally.
▶ 1:07:42Mr. Chairman, on that vote, there were 22 eyes and zero nos.
▶ 1:07:45The eyes have it and the motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion reconsider is laid on the table. All right. Last bill. Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR5062, the Pipeline Security Act. The bill was circulated in advance and the printed copies are available. Clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 1:08:04Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and is considered read and open to amendment any time. Gentlewoman from Texas, Miss Johnson, is recognized for five minutes on her measure.
▶ 1:08:12Uh, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Uh the pipeline network that distributes oil and natural gas and other hazardous liquids throughout the United States spans over 2.7 million miles generates over 57 billion in yearly revenue and directly supports hundreds of thousands of American jobs. These networks are a critical part of our energy supply chain and we must increase security and resilience in our pipeline network against threats near and far.
▶ 1:08:38We saw firsthand how fragile the system is with the 2021 Colonial Pipeline cyber attack which caused widespread fuel shortages, long gas lines, and price spikes for millions of Americans along the East Coast. Thankfully, we avoided a more serious crisis, but clearly the cyber attack on the Colonial Pipeline revealed the fragility of our system and served as a wake-up call to strengthen our defenses against increasingly sophisticated threats.
▶ 1:09:02If we fail to protect these critical pipelines from cyber attacks, terrorist attacks, and other threats, we don't just risk our national security. We risk supply chain disruptions that will create a ripple effect throughout our communities. Pipelines operating in the great state of Texas are vital to Texas's economy, generating billions of dollars in tax revenue, and creating over 150,000 jobs directly while supporting over a million jobs that indirectly touch pipelines. That's why last week I reintroduced the Pipeline Security Act.
▶ 1:09:33For over two decades, TSA has been the primary federal agency with oversight of pipeline security. Yet TSA's Pipeline Security Office has never been codified into law, nor have its pipeline security responsibilities been explicitly outlined in statute. The 2021 Colonial Pipeline Cyber Attack renewed the need for improvement in TSA's statutory authority by providing TSA's pipeline security office with the permanence its mission demands. My legislation empowers TSA to strengthen its pipeline security operations.
▶ 1:10:04The office will be required to issue guidelines for pipeline security, conduct risk assessments of our nation's pipelines, and regularly inspect at risk facilities. My bill also ensures that TSA has the staff and expertise it needs by requiring the agency to develop a personal strategy and hire employees with both pipeline and cyber security expertise. Finally, my bill instructs TSA to increase its security related engagement with pipeline stakeholders and require the government accountability office to undertake a review of TSA's efforts.
▶ 1:10:34Importantly, my bill does not require any new pipeline security regulations or directives. Our nation has seen a significant increase in cyber attacks on our critical infrastructure. It is more important than ever that Congress provides support for TSA's pipeline security mission. And I want to thank Representative Jimenez and Garcia for their co-sponsorship of this bill and thrilled that we could work in such a bipartisan way. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back my time.
▶ 1:10:58Gentlemen, gentle lady yields back. Does anyone wish to speak on the bill? Gentleman from Florida is recognized.
▶ 1:11:04Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank uh Miss M Johnson for introducing uh this bill. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill HR562, the Pipeline Security Act, being considered today. This bill would codify TSA statutory authorities to secure and protect pipelines against cyber security threats, acts of terrorism, and other security threats. In May 2021, the Colonial Pipeline, which supplies approximately 45% of all refined oil on the East Coast, was forced offline following a ransomware attack.
▶ 1:11:34The incident led to days of fuel shortages across multiple states and underscored the vulnerability of the nation's pipelines infrastructure to cyber threats. This bill directs TSA to develop security directives and guidance, conduct risk assessments, share intelligence with pipeline owners and operators and conduct inspections and ensure compliance. I urge all my colleagues to support this bill and thank you and I yield back. Gentleman yields back. Does anyone else wish to speak on the bill? Gentleman from Louisiana, Mr. Carter is recognized.
▶ 1:12:03Thank you, Mr. Chairman, in Louisiana, we know better than most how critical pipelines are to our economy. Our state is home to one of the most robust pipeline networks in the country. And many of those pipelines run close to population centers. That makes them not only vital arteries of energy delivery, but also potential targets that if disrupted can put our communities, jobs, and families at risk.
▶ 1:12:30The 2021 Colonial Pop Pipeline cyber attack demonstrated how a single incident can have a ripple effect across the entire country, disrupting supply, spiking prices, and instilling fear. Imagine the consequence of such an attack were to hit a major line in Louisiana. Our state's refineries, our prochemical industries, and the families who live and work alongside this infrastructure would feel the impact immediately.
▶ 1:12:58That's why this bill, the pipeline security act, is so important. This bill clarifies TA TSA's authority to to over pipeline security, making sure that there's no doubt about who's responsible protecting the infrastructure from cyber attacks, terrorist attacks, and other threats.
▶ 1:13:17TSA has already issued necessary directives since Colonial, but we need to put this authority into law to provide consistency, stability, and accountability going forward. Equally as important, this measure directs TSA to develop a workforce strategy with a specific focus on cyber security expertise. Louisiana's pipelines are increasingly connected to sophisticated digital systems.
▶ 1:13:44That connectivity makes them more efficient, but it also makes them more vulnerable. We need cyber security experts in the federal government who understand these risk and can work with industry to mitigate them. For Louisiana, where energy infrastructure and commodities live side by side and communities live side by side rather, the stakes are simply too high to delay.
▶ 1:14:09Passing this me this bill means protecting our pipelines, our economy, and our people, one of the most important commodities our country can ever have, our communities. Thank you and I yield back. Gentlemen yields back. Does anyone else wish to speak on the bill? Are there any amendments to the bill? Hearing none, the question is on reporting the bill favorably leave the house. All those in favor say I. I.
▶ 1:14:34All those opposed say no. If neither chair, the eyes have it. The motion is agreed to. The clerk will call the role.
▶ 1:14:39Mr. McCall
▶ 1:14:41Mr. McCall votes I. Mr. Guest
▶ 1:14:44Mr. Guest votes I. Mr. Amenz.
▶ 1:14:47Mr. Amen votes I. Mr. Fluger. Miss Green. Mr. Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez votes I. Mr. Latrell. Mr. Latrell votes I. Mr. Strong. Mr. Bkine. Mr. Bine votes I. Mr. Crane. Mr. Crane votes I. Mr. Ogles
▶ 1:15:09Mr. Ogles votes I. Mrs. Biggs
▶ 1:15:12Mrs. Biggs votes I. Mr. Evans.
▶ 1:15:16Mr. Evans votes I. Mr. McKenzie.
▶ 1:15:19Mr. McKenzie votes I. Mr. Knott.
▶ 1:15:22Ranking member Thompson.
▶ 1:15:24Ranking member Thompson votes I. Mr. Swallwell. Mr. Koreah. Mr. Tanadar.
▶ 1:15:31Mr. Tanadar votes I. Mr. Magaziner.
▶ 1:15:35Mr. Mr. Magaziner votes I. Mr. Goldman
▶ 1:15:38Mr. Goldman votes I. Mrs. Ramirez. Mrs. Ramirez votes I. Mr. Kennedy
▶ 1:15:45Mr. Kennedy votes I. Mrs. McCyver
▶ 1:15:48Mrs. McCyver votes I. Miss Johnson
▶ 1:15:52Miss. Johnson votes I. Mr. Hernandez.
▶ 1:15:56Mr. Hernandez votes I. Miss Poe. Mr. Carter. I.
▶ 1:16:01Mr. Carter votes I. Mr. Green.
▶ 1:16:05How's the chair recorded?
▶ 1:16:07Chair has not yet been recorded.
▶ 1:16:08I vote I.
▶ 1:16:09Chairman Garberino votes I.
▶ 1:16:11Are there other members who wish to have their votes recorded?
▶ 1:16:13Clerk will tally will report the tally.
▶ 1:16:16Mr. Chairman, on that vote, there were 22 eyes's and zero nos.
▶ 1:16:21The eyes have it and the motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. All right. Without objection, staff is authorized to make any required technical or conforming changes to reflect the actions of the committee. Without objection, the measures amended during today's markup will be reported to the House in the in form of one amendment in nature of substitute for each bill. This concludes consideration of the bills noticed by the committee for today.
▶ 1:16:46Mr. Chairman,
▶ 1:16:48gentleman's recognized.
▶ 1:16:49Mr. Chairman, pursuant to clause 2L of rule 11, I request that members have two calendar days to file with the clerk of the committee supplemental, additional or minority views on the measures ordered, reported by the committee
▶ 1:17:05So ordered, there being no further business, without objection, the committee stands adjourned.