House approves two Ratcliffe bills aiming to enhance nation’s cyber security capabilities

The House of Representatives approved two bills on Tuesday that U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX) introduced to help the government adapt to changing cyber security challenges.

The Support for Rapid Innovation Act, H.R. 5388, would establish more effective coordination between industry and academia on cybersecurity research, while the Leveraging Emerging Technologies Act, H.R. 5389, would encourage engagement between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and emerging technology developers.

“Over the last several years we’ve witnessed evolving cyber security threats from nation-states such as China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, and from criminal organizations and terrorist groups such as ISIS. And on top of this, cyber criminals are continuing to develop even more cutting-edge cyber capabilities,” Ratcliffe, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies, said.

Growing cyber threats pose significant danger to the homeland, Ratcliffe added, and it is critical that the government keeps up with the private sector to find solutions that protect the country’s networks.

Speaking in support of the bills on the House floor, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said what protected the country in the past isn’t sufficient today.

“We can’t rely today on what worked in the past,” McCarthy said. “We need new weapons, new tools, and new defenses. We need more, and the government can’t do it alone. The dangers are too pressing for Washington to find the best ways to protect the American people all by itself.”

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said that that it is imperative that the government keeps up with new and emerging technologies in the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.

“These bills help to facilitate coordination and cohesion between the Department of Homeland Security and emerging technology developers and firms,” McCaul said. “Together, we can develop and implement strategies to proactively engage technology hubs across the country and better secure digital America.”