H.R. 4743 — Introduced in House

I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4743 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 15, 2016 Mr. Castro of Texas (for himself, Mr. Richmond, Mr. Hurd of Texas, Mr. Doggett, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Smith of Texas, and Mr. Welch) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security A BILL To authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act of 2016. 2. National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (a) In general The Secretary of Homeland Security may establish a consortium to be known as the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (in this section referred to as the Consortium). (b) Purpose The purpose of the Consortium is to engage a range of academic, nonprofit, private industry, and Federal, State, and local government partners to support efforts to address cybersecurity risks and incidents (as such terms are defined in section 227 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002), including threats of terrorism and acts of terrorism. (c) Functions The Consortium may— (1) provide training to State and local first responders and officials specifically for preparing for and responding to cybersecurity risks and incidents (as such terms are defined in section 227 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 148)), including threats of terrorism and acts of terrorism, in accordance with current law; (2) develop and update a curriculum utilizing existing programs and models in accordance with section 227 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, for State and local first responders and officials, related to cybersecurity risks and incidents, including threats of terrorism and acts of terrorism; (3) 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 section 227 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002; (4) 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, including threats of terrorism and acts of terrorism, in accordance with subsection (c) of section 228 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 149); (5) coordinate with the national cybersecurity and communications integration center of the Department of Homeland Security to help States and communities develop cybersecurity information sharing programs, in accordance with section 227 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, for the dissemination of homeland security information related to cybersecurity risks and incidents, including threats of terrorism and acts of terrorism; and (6) coordinate with appropriate Department of Homeland Security cybersecurity and training officials to assist in the incorporation of cybersecurity risk and incident prevention and response (including related to threats of terrorism and acts of terrorism) into existing State and local emergency plans. (d) Prohibition on duplication In carrying out the functions under subsection (c), the Consortium may not duplicate existing programs or efforts. (e) Membership The Consortium shall consist of academic, nonprofit, industry, and government partners that develop, update, and deliver cybersecurity training in support of homeland security. Members shall have prior experience conducting cybersecurity training and exercises for State and local entities and shall be geographically diverse so as to cover different regions across the United States. (f) Termination The Consortium shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.