WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the state and local cybersecurity grant program, which Senator Hassan helped to create in 2021, that has provided $1 billion over four years to help state, local, and tribal governments prevent cyberattacks. The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program Reauthorization Act would ensure that recipients can continue building on the important cybersecurity work already underway with these resources.
“State and local governments continue to face evolving cyber threats that put essential services like school systems, utilities, and emergency services at risk,” said Senator Hassan. “The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program has given states and localities critical resources to strengthen their cyber defenses, and this bipartisan legislation will ensure that this important work can continue. I will continue to work across the aisle to make sure that governments and organizations at all levels have the tools that they need to protect their systems and the people who rely on them.”
“As the digital threat landscape continues to evolve and grow more perilous, it’s imperative that Texans are able to defend against harmful attacks online,” said Senator Cornyn. “I am proud to have created this program, which has provided nearly $40 million in resources for Texas, and this legislation will continue to ensure communities across the Lone Star State are equipped with the tools necessary to maintain vigilance and improve cybersecurity.”
The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided $1 billion to help state, local, and tribal governments prioritize cybersecurity investments and protect the critical systems and services that citizens rely on. The reauthorization would allow this successful program to continue supporting these critical investments.
Senator Hassan has prioritized efforts to address state and local cybersecurity threats as a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) and the bipartisan Senate Cybersecurity Caucus. Senator Hassan helped pass into law a program to create a Cybersecurity Coordinator position in each state, who is responsible for helping to prevent and respond to cybersecurity threats by working with federal, state, and local governments, as well as schools, hospitals, and other entities. Senator Hassan has met on numerous occasions with New Hampshire’s Cybersecurity Coordinator, law enforcement, school administrators, and other officials to discuss the need to strengthen cybersecurity for K-12 schools.
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