April 23, 2015

CASTRO CYBERSECURITY AMENDMENTS UNANIMOUSLY PASS THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) introduced two cybersecurity amendments that today both unanimously passed the House of Representatives. The first amendment elevates the profile of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and highlights the cybersecurity work being done there. The second amendment makes self-assessment tools available to small and medium-sized businesses for determining their cybersecurity readiness. The amendments are on H.R. 1731, the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015, which passed the House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 355-63. 

“The city of San Antonio and UTSA are national cybersecurity leaders,” said Rep. Castro. “These amendments elevate the great work being done in our city and help communities and businesses across the country strengthen their cyber defenses. I’m proud of San Antonio’s growing role in keeping America’s digital assets safe, and I’m pleased both of my amendments passed with such strong bipartisan support.”

Rep. Castro’s first amendment gives the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authority to formally establish the UTSA-led National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NCPC) within DHS. The consortium will address unique issues related to cybersecurity on the state and local level, serving as the lead entity within DHS for cybersecurity training and technical assistance for states and local first responders and officials. Full text of the amendment is available here. 

Rep. Castro’s second amendment provides self-assessment tools to small and medium-sized businesses so those businesses can determine their cybersecurity readiness. This amendment addresses the recent increase in cyber-attacks against small businesses to ensure these entities are equipped with information to self-assess their cybersecurity preparedness and protect against breaches. Full text of the amendment is available here.

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