Hassan, Cornyn try again with cyber Guard bill
The bill would allow states to use the National Guard for the purpose of bolstering their cybersecurity.
Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) reintroduced their bill to allow states to utilize the National Guard to improve their cybersecurity, citing the SolarWinds Orion and a noticeable uptick in cyberattacks connected to the ongoing pandemic.
"We have seen unprecedented cyberattacks throughout the country this past year -- most notably the SolarWinds attack, but also cyberattacks on schools, hospitals, and state and local governments amid the COVID-19 pandemic," said Hassan.
"The National Guard fights to protect Americans from cybersecurity threats every day, and it is essential that they have the authority to provide support to state agencies and local governments working to keep us safe online," Cornyn added.
The senators introduced a similar bill in October which stalled after being referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee.
The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act included several provisions on cybersecurity developed by the congressional Cyberspace Solarium Commission, including a measure pushed by Hassan and Cornyn to establish a cybersecurity state coordinator position in each state.
The National Guard during the 2020 elections also took a more extensive roll assisting states with cybersecurity measures. In Washington state, FCW reported, Guard members help monitor local election systems and prepare organizations with better network hygiene.