H.R. 4579: FEMA Cybersecurity Improvement Act

This bill, known as the FEMA Cybersecurity Improvement Act, aims to enhance the cybersecurity protocols of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The primary objectives of the bill are as follows:

1. Amendment of Existing Cybersecurity Provisions

The bill proposes to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002, specifically focusing on the section that addresses the roles of FEMA in relation to cybersecurity risks. Key changes include:

• Removing the outdated reference to a starting point for cybersecurity measures, essentially updating the context in which FEMA must operate regarding cybersecurity.
• Reorganizing certain provisions for clarity and effectiveness, by redesignating existing paragraphs within that section.
• Adding a specific directive for FEMA to undertake efforts aimed at mitigating cybersecurity risks that could hinder its operations.

2. Requirement for a Cybersecurity Plan

The bill mandates that within one year of its enactment, the Administrator of FEMA must develop and submit a report detailing the agency's initiatives to address and mitigate cybersecurity risks. This plan must be created in consultation with the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and submitted to several committees in the House of Representatives and the Senate responsible for oversight of homeland security and infrastructure issues.

3. Focus on Agency Operations

By emphasizing the mitigation of cybersecurity risks, the bill aims to ensure that FEMA can effectively carry out its mission without disruptions caused by cybersecurity incidents. The reference to "agency operations" implies that the agency must prepare for threats that could impact its ability to respond to emergencies.

4. Legislative Oversight

The bill establishes a framework for oversight of FEMA's cybersecurity efforts, holding the agency accountable to both legislative committees as they progress in developing and implementing these cybersecurity measures.

5. Collaboration with CISA

The requirement for consultation with CISA indicates a collaborative approach, recognizing that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that requires coordination between different federal agencies to be effective.

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