Peters Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Network Security

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, announced bipartisan legislation to strengthen and secure our communications systems, which are critical to our economic competiveness and national security. The Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Act, which was introduced with Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to permanently establish the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (Council). The Council is responsible for advising the FCC on issues related to network security, resiliency, and interoperability of our communications systems. The Council has been re-chartered on a temporary basis every two years since 2009. This legislation would authorize the Council in statute, providing a permanent basis to continue the Council’s essential work.  

“As we work to invest in domestic manufacturing and shore up our supply chains, it’s essential we strengthen our communications networks to protect against evolving threats to this critical infrastructure,” said Senator Peters. “Cyber or terror attacks have the potential to widely disrupt our networks and compromise our ability to communicate – especially in the event of emergencies. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to bolster and secure our communications networks and will work to see it signed into law.”

“As the threat of cyberattacks grows, we must remain vigilant in protecting our communications network with the latest technology and safety measures,” said Senator Moran. “Establishing a permanent council at the FCC would preserve a critical space for the government and industry to collaborate on the challenges facing the telecommunications sector, including security threats.”

Recommendations made by the Council are critical to public safety and homeland security-related communications matters such as the reliability of communications systems and infrastructure, 911 and emergency alert systems, and national security communications, including law enforcement access to communications. The Council brings together participants with expertise among first responders, private industry, and relevant government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Tim Walberg (R-MI) and included in the House-passed economic competitiveness bill. Earlier this month, Peters was appointed to serve among select members of both the Senate and House to negotiate a final economic competitiveness bill that can be enacted into law. Peters will serve on the conference committee that will be tasked with working out differences between the House and Senate-passed economic competitiveness bills.

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