Kinzinger’s bipartisan bill protects nation’s communications, information networks

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced the Network Security Information Sharing Act of 2019, which would help secure America’s networks from foreign interference by sharing certain federal information with the private sector.

“The security of American communications and information networks is paramount to our national security,” Rep. Kinzinger said, adding that H.R. 4461 would ensure the nation’s “private sector can become better aware” about foreign threats and avoid purchasing or installing “dangerous equipment.”

The congressman sponsored the bill with lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Michael Doyle (D-PA) to direct the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a program to share information regarding supply chain security risks with both trusted providers and suppliers of advanced communications services, according to the bill’s text.

“Certain foreign adversaries have systematically coerced their equipment manufacturers to embed backdoors and other capabilities into their products, which are later purchased by American companies and integrated into our networks,” explained Rep. Kinzinger. “No foreign actor should have the ability to eavesdrop on our citizens or our government — let alone use these backdoors to launch cyberattacks or disrupt our communications.”

If enacted, H.R. 4461 would direct several government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Communications Commission, among others, to establish an information-sharing program; to hold regular briefings; to submit a plan to Congress on declassifying certain material; and to ensure their activities are integrated with ongoing activities, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Kinzinger’s office.

H.R. 4461 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.