WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and James Lankford (R-OK) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen cybersecurity assistance partnerships between the United States and our international partners and allies. The bill would allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to quickly provide support to foreign partners, such as Ukraine, that continue to face increasing cybersecurity threats. The legislation would also ensure that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) can work with international allies to strengthen our nation’s defenses and protect critical foreign networks like financial markets and oil pipelines that are essential to the global economy.
“Cyber-attacks against networks around the world can affect the global economy and even cause disruptions here at home. That is why the United States must ensure our international partners have the ability to fight back and prevent breaches,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan bill will enhance our cybersecurity cooperation with international allies and partners to mitigate cybersecurity threats.”
“Cyber threats are global threats, and they require global collaboration with our allies to protect Americans against international cyber threats,” said Senator Lankford. “The Department of Homeland Security should lead the way to protect our critical infrastructure systems from cyber-attacks in conjunction with our partners and allies.”
Current authorities can delay DHS’ ability to quickly respond when foreign countries request cybersecurity assistance from the United States. For example, at the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it took weeks for DHS to provide requested support for cybersecurity defenses. The DHS International Cyber Partner Act would authorize DHS and CISA to assign personnel to foreign locations and provide expertise to foreign governments and international organizations on cybersecurity and other homeland security efforts. The bill also allows CISA to include international partners in existing cybersecurity programs that help protect critical infrastructure systems that could disrupt America’s national and economic security if breached.
###