The House Energy and Commerce Committee has unanimously approved two bipartisan bills to enhance the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) role in safeguarding U.S. communications networks. This legislative action responds to escalating cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure, emphasized by recent intrusions from the Chinese state-sponsored group Salt Typhoon.
Establishing the Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity
The first piece of legislation, introduced by Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.), mandates the creation of the Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity within the NTIA. This new office is tasked with formulating and implementing cybersecurity and privacy policies for internet and communication networks, working collaboratively with industry stakeholders. The objective is to address vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them proactively.
Representative Obernolte emphasized the critical need for this initiative, stating that formalizing NTIA’s cybersecurity role is essential to “safeguard our communication networks.” He highlighted that the new office will “promote collaboration between industry and security researchers to address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.”
Co-sponsor Representative McClellan underscored the urgency of the measure, particularly in light of recent cyber assaults on U.S. networks. She noted that these “nefarious assaults” are a stark reminder of the evolving cyber threats that impact communication systems and critical sectors such as aviation and healthcare. McClellan asserted that equipping the NTIA with codified cyber tools is “now more important than ever” to protect American consumers and businesses.
Assessing Mobile Network Vulnerabilities
Representatives Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) and Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) introduced the second bill, the Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act. This legislation requires the NTIA to comprehensively assess the cybersecurity vulnerabilities inherent in mobile service networks and devices. The findings will be compiled into a report to Congress detailing potential risks and recommending strategies to fortify mobile infrastructure against cyberattacks and surveillance by adversarial entities.
Representative Cammack highlighted the bill’s proactive nature, asserting that understanding risks to mobile infrastructure is crucial for staying ahead of emerging threats, protecting American consumers, and safeguarding national security interests. She emphasized that adversaries like China and Russia actively targeting U.S. networks make a reactive stance insufficient. Representative Landsman echoed these concerns, pointing out that foreign adversaries actively pursue American data to exploit vulnerabilities. He stressed that the bill ensures the U.S. stays ahead of these threats and protects its citizens.
Context of Recent Cyber Threats
The urgency of these legislative measures is underscored by the activities of Salt Typhoon, a Chinese-linked hacking group that has breached multiple U.S. and global telecommunications networks. Federal cybersecurity experts have expressed serious concerns over the group’s indiscriminate targeting of American data, highlighting the need for strengthened defenses in the nation’s communication infrastructure.
Bipartisan Support and Next Steps
The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s unanimous approval of these bills reflects a strong bipartisan commitment to enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity posture. Committee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) praised the collaborative effort, stating, “Each of these bipartisan pieces of legislation was passed by the House last Congress, and I am proud that we will be moving these forward again today.”
The next step for these bills is consideration by the full House of Representatives. Given the bipartisan support at the committee level, there is optimism for swift passage. If enacted, these measures will significantly enhance the NTIA’s capacity to address cybersecurity challenges, thereby strengthening the resilience of the nation’s communications infrastructure against evolving threats.
Implications for Rural Broadband and National Security
The establishment of the NTIA’s Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity represents a pivotal development for stakeholders in the telecommunications sector, including rural broadband providers. This initiative promises to offer technical assistance to small and rural communication service providers, ensuring they have the necessary tools to defend against cybersecurity threats.
Moreover, the comprehensive assessment of mobile network vulnerabilities mandated by the Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act will provide valuable insights into securing mobile infrastructure. This is particularly pertinent as rural areas increasingly rely on mobile networks for connectivity.
The advancement of these bipartisan bills signifies a proactive legislative approach to fortifying the nation’s cybersecurity defenses. By empowering the NTIA with enhanced capabilities and focusing on the security of mobile networks, Congress is taking essential steps to protect critical communication infrastructures from sophisticated cyber threats.
