U.S. Reps. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and John Katko (R-NY) on Sept. 7 introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at providing leadership stability at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a standalone federal agency that leads the effort to enhance the security, resiliency and reliability of the United State’s cybersecurity and communications infrastructure.
“The current threat landscape is ever changing and expanding to include a multitude of cyber risks,” Rep. Garbarino said. “We must evolve along with it to be best prepared to mitigate these threats.”
Rep. Garbarino sponsored the CISA Leadership Act, H.R. 5186, with six original cosponsors, including Rep. Katko and U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI), to codify the CISA director’s tenure as a five-year term and reaffirm that the position would be presidentially appointed and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
“With cyber attacks on the rise, CISA, the lead federal civilian cybersecurity agency for the United States, needs consistent and stable leadership presiding over our nation’s cyber preparedness,” said Rep. Garbarino. “This bipartisan bill will remove any uncertainty from the CISA director role so that the director can focus squarely on strengthening our cyber posture.”
Stable leadership at CISA is paramount as the U.S. faces a complex cyber-threat landscape, added Rep. Katko.
“I commend Ranking Member Garbarino for his leadership of this important bipartisan effort,” Rep. Katko said, noting the congressman’s position on the U.S. House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation. Rep. Katko, who serves as Ranking Member for the full committee added, “we will continue working together to ensure CISA has the resources, workforce and authorities it needs to effectively carry out its mission.”
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson and Subcommittee Chairwoman Yvette Clarke said in a joint statement that steady leadership at CISA is needed as cyber threats facing the nation continue to evolve. “We are proud to work with Ranking Member Garbarino on this important legislation and look forward to working with him to get it across the finish line,” Reps. Thompson and Clarke said.