[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 179 (Tuesday, October 28, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S7765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   Unanimous Consent Request--S. 2983

  Mr. PETERS. Madam President, on October 1, critical cyber security 
protections expired, and, as a result of that, our Nation is now more 
vulnerable to cyber attacks than ever before. For nearly a decade, 
businesses and government Agencies have been able to rely on these 
authorities to share information about cyber attacks and help prevent 
them from becoming more widespread.
  That is why I introduced the bipartisan Protecting America from Cyber 
Threats Act with Senator Rounds to restore these vital protections. A 
broad coalition of nearly 80 stakeholders, from healthcare and 
financial services to energy and utilities, to transportation and 
technology, support passing this legislation to ensure that they can 
continue voluntarily sharing information about cyber security threats 
with the Federal Government.
  Here is what a few of them had to say.
  The Business Software Alliance said we need to pass this legislation 
quickly, arguing that ``further delays in renewing this program will 
only serve to entrench information-sharing silos between government and 
industry and needlessly set back United States' over all cybersecurity 
posture.''
  The Connected Health Initiative said:

       The healthcare ecosystem is uniquely vulnerable to cyber 
     incidents, and the damage caused by them particularly 
     severe--so the reasonable liability protections the 
     legislation would reauthorize are [absolutely] desperately 
     needed to ensure patient security and privacy.

  The CEO of USTelecom said:

       The Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act reaffirms 
     what has always made our nation's cyber defenses strong: the 
     trusted partnership between industry and government. By 
     reauthorizing key information sharing protections, Congress 
     ensures that private innovation and public stewardship 
     continue to work hand in hand to safeguard our networks, 
     protect our citizens, and reinforce the shared resilience 
     that defines Americans cybersecurity leadership.

  The American Bankers Association said:

       The information exchanges that this legislation facilitates 
     will significantly enhance the financial sector's ability to 
     respond to large-scale cyber incidents, strengthen our 
     defenses, and safeguard customer data. Allowing these 
     protections to lapse chills threat sharing and impedes rapid 
     response, leaving banks, customers, and the broader economy 
     more vulnerable to adversaries.

  Even the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has weighed in and said:

       Lawmakers must quickly reauthorize these cyber information-
     sharing authorities to give businesses legal certainty and 
     protection against frivolous lawsuits when voluntarily 
     sharing and receiving threat data.

  The Alliance of Automotive Information has said:

       This policy has worked. And as vehicles get more digital 
     and more connected--and connect to other devices, vehicles, 
     and infrastructure--the cyberattack surface will [only] grow 
     exponentially. We need this landmark law to stay on the books 
     to secure the mobility ecosystem from current and future 
     cybersecurity threats.

  The National Association of Manufacturers said:

       Sharing information about cyber threats and risk mitigation 
     measures is [absolutely] fundamental to manufacturers' 
     efforts to improve their cybersecurity posture and protect 
     themselves and their customers.

  Bottom line: These are just a few of the leaders across key 
industries who are calling for us to pass this legislation 
immediately--today. This is about protecting the systems that power our 
homes and connect our families and keep our economy running. It is 
about giving our cyber defenders the tools that they need to act fast 
and to act smart.
  Our adversaries are not going to stop their attacks. But without this 
law in place, many of our Nation's companies and critical 
infrastructure will be in the dark as they try to defend themselves.
  I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation today so we can protect 
our economy and our entire Nation from the threats of cyber attacks.
  As if in legislative session and notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask 
unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate 
consideration of Calendar No. 182, S. 2983; that the Peters substitute 
amendment, which is at the desk, be considered and agreed to; that the 
bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that 
the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Kentucky.
  Mr. PAUL. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.