WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) released the following statements after their bill, the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act, unanimously passed the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee:
“I commend the Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee for advancing this bill to solidify cooperation between the Department of Homeland Security and the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium, which partners with universities including the University of Texas at San Antonio and Texas A&M,” Sen. Cruz said. “Streamlining this relationship allows for a more sustainable approach to cybersecurity. This legislation recognizes the vital role state and local entities serve in safeguarding America’s critical infrastructure and protecting our nation from cybersecurity risks and terrorist threats.”
“As cybersecurity threats against the nation evolve, it is vital that our targeted communities are fully prepared and able to respond,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m proud that Texas schools like UTSA and Texas A&M will be leading the charge in training our communities on how to respond to these emerging threats.”
The NCPC is comprised of university- based training entities including The University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, The University of Arkansas, The University of Memphis, and Norwich University.
Under this bill, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security would be authorized to work with the NCPC to:
- Provide training to state and local first responders and officials, develop curriculums, and provide technical assistance;
- Conduct cross-sector cybersecurity training and simulation exercises for state and local governments, critical infrastructure owners and operators, and private industry;
- Help states and communities develop cybersecurity information sharing programs; and
- Help incorporate cybersecurity risk and incident prevention and response into existing state and local emergency plans and continuity of operations plans.