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National Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022

Floor Speech

Date: June 21, 2022
Location: Washington, DC

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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7174, the National Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act.

Our Nation is facing an increase in cyber threats stemming from multiple angles. These range from critical infrastructure vulnerabilities to child exploitation online.

Previous cyberattacks have highlighted the need for preventive measures and law enforcement support at every level, including Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial.

Many recent attacks and exploited vulnerabilities have severely impacted the American people and economy. Adding to this, with the ongoing war in Ukraine, the intelligence community is warning of a heightened cyber threat from Russia.

The National Computer Forensics Institute in Hoover, Alabama, is operated by the United States Secret Service. NCFI provides essential education and training to State, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges on how to mitigate, detect, and respond to cyber threats.

Since opening in 2008, NCFI has continuously worked to equip its students with the necessary tools and knowledge needed to prevent cybercrime.

Now, more than ever, as we are facing cyberattacks from malicious actors like Russia, China, and Iran, in addition to other criminal behavior online like child pornography, bolstering cyber training and tools for our law enforcement partners is imperative.

Congress officially authorized the NCFI for 5 years in 2017. This bill reauthorizes NCFI for 10 years and updates its mission, function, and curriculum.

In addition, the bill requires an annual report on NCFI's impact and activities, a requirements analysis for its potential expansion, and a process to receive feedback from participating jurisdictions.

Cybersecurity has never been more important to homeland security, and it is pivotal that we train our State and local law enforcement to address this threat and other online nefarious activities head-on.

Madam Speaker, I urge Members to join me in supporting H.R. 7174, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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