II
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 658
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 10, 2021
Mr. Cornyn (for himself and Mr. Leahy) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
A BILL
To authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to work with cybersecurity consortia for training, and for other purposes.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act of 2021
.
Definitions
In this Act—
the term consortium means a group primarily composed of nonprofit entities, including academic institutions, that develop, update, and deliver cybersecurity training in support of homeland security;
the terms cybersecurity risk and incident have the meanings given those terms in section 2209(a) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 659(a));
the term Department means the Department of Homeland Security; and
the term Secretary means the Secretary of Homeland Security.
National cybersecurity preparedness consortium
In general
The Secretary may work with a consortium to support efforts to address cybersecurity risks and incidents.
Assistance to the NCCIC
The Secretary may work with a consortium to assist the national cybersecurity and communications integration center of the Department (established under section 2209 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 659)) to—
provide training to State and local first responders and officials specifically for preparing for and responding to cybersecurity risks and incidents, in accordance with applicable law;
develop and update a curriculum utilizing existing programs and models in accordance with such section 2209, for State and local first responders and officials, related to cybersecurity risks and incidents;
provide technical assistance services to build and sustain capabilities in support of preparedness for and response to cybersecurity risks and incidents, including threats of terrorism and acts of terrorism, in accordance with such section 2209;
conduct cross-sector cybersecurity training and simulation exercises for entities, including State and local governments, critical infrastructure owners and operators, and private industry, to encourage community-wide coordination in defending against and responding to cybersecurity risks and incidents, in accordance with section 2210(c) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 660(c));
help States and communities develop cybersecurity information sharing programs, in accordance with section 2209 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 659), for the dissemination of homeland security information related to cybersecurity risks and incidents; and
help incorporate cybersecurity risk and incident prevention and response into existing State and local emergency plans, including continuity of operations plans.
Considerations regarding selection of a consortium
In selecting a consortium with which to work under this Act, the Secretary shall take into consideration the following:
Any prior experience conducting cybersecurity training and exercises for State and local entities.
Geographic diversity of the members of any such consortium so as to cover different regions throughout the United States.
Metrics
If the Secretary works with a consortium under subsection (a), the Secretary shall measure the effectiveness of the activities undertaken by the consortium under this Act.
Outreach
The Secretary shall conduct outreach to universities and colleges, including historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and other minority-serving institutions, regarding opportunities to support efforts to address cybersecurity risks and incidents, by working with the Secretary under subsection (a).
Rule of construction
Nothing in this Act may be construed to authorize a consortium to control or direct any law enforcement agency in the exercise of the duties of the law enforcement agency.
