With ever-increasing cybersecurity attacks against American infrastructure, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas called on Congress today to reauthorize key DHS authorities to reinforce the agency’s ability to protect against foreign cyberattacks.
During the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing on Oct. 31, Mayorkas outlined four essential authorities set to expire this year that are used to combat cyber and critical infrastructure threats.
“I am immensely proud to be here today … to discuss the work [DHS officials] do, to the challenges they face, and most importantly, the support they require from Congress to do their jobs,” Mayorkas said.
The first authority already expired on July 28 of this year, he said, which allowed DHS to enforce chemical facility anti-terrorism standards. This means the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is no longer allowed to inspect over 3,000 high-risk chemical facilities across the country.
“Historically, more than a third of inspections identify at least one gap in a facility security,” stated Mayorkas.
Other authorities mentioned during the hearing include the agency’s counter-drone authority, set to expire on Nov. 18, and the agency’s countering of weapons of mass destruction authority, which is set to expire on Dec. 21.
“That would hinder our ability to detect biological and illicit nuclear material threats and safeguard against the use of AI in the development of biological weapons,” Mayorkas said.
The last authority mentioned during the hearing included vital elements of the agency’s intelligence collection authority under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which is set to expire on Dec. 31.
“Expiration would leave our country vulnerable to attacks supported by American citizens and it would cripple our ability to identify and secure American citizens who are the targets of such attacks. Renewing each of these four authorities is common sense, bipartisan, and critical to our national security,” said Mayorkas.
Mayorkas concluded his opening statement by making it clear that the agency requires more funding to keep its growing operations going.
“This funding will, in short, make a critical difference in our department’s operational capacity and in our national security. Ensuring the safety of the American people is a national imperative and a governmental obligation,” stated Mayorkas.
