House cybersecurity bill would establish federal overseer

Members of the House Homeland Security Committee introduced a cybersecurity bill that would establish a quasi-governmental entity to oversee information-sharing with the private sector.

Like the other cybersecurity bills offered by the House GOP, the Promoting and Enhancing Cybersecurity and Information Sharing Effectiveness (PrECISE Act) encourages private firms to share information on cyber threats but stops short of mandating new security standards for sectors deemed critical to national security. The bill would clearly delineate the cybersecurity functions of the Department of Homeland Security by requiring DHS to evaluate cybersecurity risks for critical infrastructure firms and determine the best way to mitigate them. By authorizing DHS to oversee civilian cybersecurity, the legislation aligns with proposals from both the Senate and the White House, but it is unclear how much authority DHS would have to enforce its security standards. Democrats have argued DHS needs some enforcement authority to ensure firms beef up their network protections.
Sponsors include Committee Chairman Pete King (R-NY), Reps Michael McCaul (R-TX), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Candice Miller (R-MI), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Billy Long (R-MO), Tom Marino (R-PA) and Bob Turner (R-NY) of the Homeland Security Committee, as well as Reps Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Jim Langevin (D-RI).