House passes bill to help prevent attacks on infrastructure

The House on Monday passed a bill to direct the Department of Homeland Security to develop a strategy for protecting the nation’s infrastructure from a terrorist attack.

Passed by voice vote, the measure would require DHS to craft a strategic plan for research and development on protecting critical infrastructure from cyber or other attacks.

{mosads}Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) said it was necessary for DHS to be constantly vigilant about protecting the nation’s infrastructure.

“No matter how good our protections are, there’s the reality that someday else the moment it goes online is looking for a way around it,” Meehan said.

Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) said the directive would keep DHS regularly updated, as the Secretary of Homeland Security would have to submit new reports to Congress every two years.

“This strategy will help DHS keep ahead of the rapidly evolving cybersecurity attacks that we hear about each and every day,” Clarke said.