Menendez, Joyce Bill to Strengthen Communications Security Passed by House Energy and Commerce Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Representatives Rob Menendez (NJ-08) and John Joyce, M.D.'s (PA-13) bipartisan bill, the Communications Security Act, was passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The bill strengthens the cybersecurity of critical telecommunications infrastructure by permanently establishing a Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") advisory council to increase the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications networks.

"As cyberattacks and threats continue to rise across the country and globally, we have an obligation to protect our national security and defend against them," said Rep. Rob Menendez. "This bill will ensure that we continue the important work of safeguarding vital telecommunications systems, giving national security, law enforcement, and emergency services personnel the resources they need to protect our communities against cyberattacks and widespread disruptions."

"Adversarial nations have been allowed to take advantage of the vulnerabilities in our critical communications infrastructure for far too long, threatening the systems that we rely on every day," said Rep. John Joyce, M.D. "I am proud to see the Communications Security Act pass out of Committee in a bipartisan manner, and I look forward to seeing this swiftly pass on the House floor."

The bill would require the FCC to permanently establish the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council, whose broad membership of communications stakeholders advises the FCC on issues related to public safety and homeland security, including: the reliability of communications systems and infrastructure, 911 and the transition to Next Generation 911, emergency alerting, and national security and emergency preparedness communications.

Congressman Menendez serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Subcommittees on Communications and Technology, Energy, and the Environment.