[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   NATIONAL COMPUTER FORENSICS INSTITUTE REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 2022

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I stand in support of H.R. 7174, the 
``National, Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022'' 
which will bolster the education of those defending the American people 
against cyber security threats.
  Soon after the devastating attacks on 9/11, Congress passed the 
Homeland Security Act of 2002 through which it consolidated the 
separate branches of our security efforts into one dedicated office.
  Through this Act, the Department of Homeland Security provided 
provisions such as infrastructure protection, chemical, biological, and 
nuclear defenses, as well as other measures to safeguard national 
security.
  Congress voted in 2012 to reauthorize these important protections. We 
gather here to do so again today.
  During the drafting of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the United 
States faced a wave of terrorism and extremism that threatened the 
lives and liberties of our people.
  Today, enemies of the State have evolved to infiltrate our computers, 
cell phones, and cyber infrastructure.
  As a result, companies, organizations, and entire cities are targets 
for attacks.
  Last year, more than 400 U.S. government offices were held ransom or 
affected by a direct cyber threat.
  In 2018, Atlanta, Georgia was nearly crippled by a ransomware attack 
that wreaked havoc on utilities, parking, and other services in the 
city. Atlanta taxpayers spent over $2.6 million in recovery efforts.
  Last year, Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department was 
targeted by cyber-thugs threatening to publish countless pieces of 
sensitive data including arrest records, the identities of persons of 
interest, and even the names of confidential police informants.
  In December, a Los Angeles location of Planned Parenthood had the 
private health information of 400,000 patients stolen through 
ransomware. Addresses, birthdays, and diagnoses of patients were in the 
hands of those who meant to do the American people harm.
  Ransomware attacks cost federal, state, and local government agencies 
about $915 million last year.
  Our Nation is vulnerable.
  We are at risk.
  We must be proactive to protect against larger and more sophisticated 
attacks.
  That is why I stand in support of the ``National Computer Forensics 
Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022'' which will continue efforts to 
train, educate and equip State, local, territorial, and Tribal law 
enforcement officers to combat cyber-attacks for another 10 years.
  With this amended reauthorization, Congress would balance the need 
for cybersecurity with the prioritization of civil rights, civil 
liberties, and the safeguarding of private data.
  It would also designate curriculum for the Institute, authorize full 
or partial funding towards attendance at the Institute, require reports 
of efficacy, future need, and demographic information, as well as 
expand on the physical and virtual capacities of the Institute's 
academic reach.
  H.R. 7174 would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to better 
train those who defend our country from cyber threats today, while 
preparing for the advanced threats coming tomorrow.
  Perhaps the most important section of this Act is the provision 
outlining the research and development of systems and procedures to 
enhance the Institute's capabilities and capacity for the future.
  If cyber-attackers are willing to target American cities, agencies, 
and companies today, there is little question that they will be willing 
to target even more tomorrow.
  Our best weapon against such threats is an educated and empowered 
league of law enforcement and IT professionals working to defend the 
nation's data, privacy, and security.
  Once again, I offer my support for H.R. 7174, ``National Computer 
Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022'' and encourage my 
colleagues to do the same.

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