Homeland Security Committee Passes Torres Port Cybersecurity Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Today the House Committee on Homeland Security voted to advance H.R. 3101, the Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act, a bill introduced by Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) following the recent world-wide cyber-attack that resulted in the shutdown of the largest terminal at the Port of Los Angeles.

"The most recent cyber-attack revealed serious vulnerabilities in our nation's maritime security, so I was pleased the Homeland Security Committee voted to approve my bill and to address these weaknesses before it's too late," said Torres. "With more than $1.3 trillion in cargo moving annually through our nation's 360 commercial ports and the increased use of cyber technology to manage port operations ranging from communication and navigation to engineering, safety, and cargo, it is critical to protect our nation's maritime cyber infrastructure."

H.R. 3101 would improve information sharing and cooperation in addressing cybersecurity risks at our nation's ports. Specifically, it requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish voluntary guidelines for reporting of cybersecurity risks, to develop and implement a maritime cyber security risk model, and to make recommendations on enhancing the sharing of cyber information. It also requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to direct Area Maritime Security Committees to ensure area maritime security and facility security plans address cybersecurity risks.

"With many of the goods that arrive at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles coming through my district before being distributed throughout the rest of the country, ensuring our ports are secure is critical to the Inland Empire economy," continued Torres. "It was shocking to learn how little coordination there is between port landlords and tenants when it comes to addressing cyber threats and how little has been done at the federal level to mitigate these risks. I hope House leadership agrees to bring my bill to a vote on the House floor so that we can address the vulnerabilities in our maritime security before those who wish to do us harm are able to engineer an even more debilitating attack."

During a recent visit to the Port of LA, Port officials presented the Congresswoman with a letter expressing support for H.R. 3101. The full text of H.R. 3101 can be found HERE.