Committee Passes Fitzpatrick-Boyle Ukraine Cyber Security Bill

Statement

Bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-8) and Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) unanimously passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee Thursday, setting the stage for a crucial floor vote. The Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act [H.R. 1997] encourages cooperation between the United States and Ukraine on matters of cybersecurity and require State Department reporting to Congress on best practices to protect against future cyber attacks.

"Cybersecurity is a complex and serious national and economic security issue for any nation. For years, Ukraine has been under siege from nation-state cyber-attacks that have sought to weaken its government and undermine hopes for an open and democratic society. The United States must play an important role in this fight. By not adequately responding and adapting to these cyber-threats in Eastern Europe, our nation is both letting down an ally as well as failing to take proactive steps to protect itself," said Fitzpatrick, a member of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. "Standing strong with our time-tested allies in freedom's cause is liberty's best defense. I'm proud to work with my college, Mr. Boyle, in encouraging cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine on this front, and look forward to continuing to work with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee to keep our focus on this 21st century battle."

In recent years, Ukraine has been the target of an increasing number of cyber-attacks that have infiltrated state institutions and critical infrastructure to the effect of undermining its democracy.

Source