Rep. King, Sen. Lieberman Introduce Cyber-Security Bill
The war against terrorism is fought on many fronts and battlefields at home and overseas. One of those fronts is our electric grid which we must protect from cyber-attack.
The electric grid is one of the most vital components of our nation’s infrastructure. Serving over 300 million people in the United States and Canada, this critical electric infrastructure has an asset value of more than $1 trillion. Disruption of this infrastructure would have serious consequences for our national security and our economy. We saw how disruptive the 2003 Northeast blackout was to New York City and Long Island-and that was very limited.
As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, I know that cyber-spies from foreign countries have already penetrated our electrical system, mapped it and left behind software that caused disruptions and disabled our electrical system. We must have a system in place that allows us to respond quickly on an emergency basis.
Working with Senator Joe Lieberman, the Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, I am co-sponsoring the “Critical Electrical Infrastructure Protection Act.” Under this bill, if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that there is a vulnerability or threat of terrorist or national attack to our critical electric infrastructure, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission can then determine what action is required to protect against attack. This is clearly a bi-partisan bill. I commend Senator Lieberman for working with me and for his commitment to protecting our nation.
King on the Issues
NFIP Sandy Accelerated Partial Payment Process - FEMA gives guidance and flexibility on providing accelerated NFIP claims payments - 12/10/2012 - See More.
Fire Departments Impacted by Hurricane Sandy May Be Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance Grants - Provides assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged fire stations, as well as emergency equipment, gear, and emergency vehicles - 12/5/2012 - See More.
Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) Program for Hurricane Sandy Victims - The program funds certain necessary and essential measures to help restore power, heat and hot water to primary residences that could regain power through necessary and essential repairs - 11/19/2012 - See More.
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