Cyber Sense Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2928, the Cyber Sense Act of 2021.

The Cyber Sense Act is another piece of bipartisan legislation that takes steps to improve the security of our Nation's electric grid infrastructure. It would establish a program to identify cyber secure products for the bulk-power grid through a testing and verification program.

The bulk-power system is essential for providing reliable electric power to the American people. We must ensure that this system is as secure as possible. Any vulnerable component in our grid is a threat to our security, and this bill will take important steps to strengthen the system.

It would also require the Department of Energy to provide technical assistance to electric utilities, manufacturers, and other relevant stakeholders related to cybersecurity vulnerabilities in products under the Cyber Sense program.

In today's world, there are literally billions of connected devices in use and the number is rapidly increasing. Most of these devices have no standards. There is no way for electric utilities to verify the security of the products, and we are seeing cyber threats continue to increase. This legislation is badly needed.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Mr. Latta, again for his partnership on this bill. We have been working together on a number of issues, and this is a sign of our partnership.

I also thank Chairman Pallone and Ranking Member Rodgers for working with us to move this legislation quickly, and I don't want to forget the staff of the Energy and Commerce Committee, who have been so helpful.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it.

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