The House of Representatives today passed legislation creating the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within the Department of Homeland Security.
The bill passed the Senate in October and now heads to President Trump’s desk. It would reorganize DHS’ National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) into a new agency and prioritize its mission as the federal leader for cyber and physical infrastructure security.
“Today’s vote is a significant step to stand up a federal government cybersecurity agency,” said DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. “The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, and we need to ensure we’re properly positioned to defend America’s infrastructure from threats digital and physical. It was time to reorganize and operationalize NPPD into the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.”
Nielsen thanked House and Senate leaders on the homeland security committees for moving the bill forward. “I also want to thank all the hardworking men and women NPPD for carrying out our important cybersecurity mission each day within DHS,” she said. “CISA will help bring the recognition this team deserves and will empower the team to more effectively execute its vital mission.”
NPPD Under Secretary Christopher Krebs said the bill’s passage “represents real progress in the national effort to improve our collective efforts in cybersecurity.”
“Elevating the cybersecurity mission within the Department of Homeland Security, streamlining our operations, and giving NPPD a name that reflects what it actually does will help better secure the nation’s critical infrastructure and cyber platforms,” Krebs said. “The changes will also improve the department’s ability to engage with industry and government stakeholders and recruit top cybersecurity talent.”
