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H.R.2195 / 111th Congress

To amend the Federal Power Act to provide additional authorities to adequately protect the critical electric infrastructure against cyber attack, and for other purposes.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 30, 2009

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, working with other national security and intelligence agencies, to conduct research and determine if the security of federally owned programmable electronic devices and communication networks (including hardware, software, and data) essential to the operation of critical electric infrastructure has been compromised.

Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Secretary to make ongoing assessments and provide periodic reports with respect to: (1) cyber vulnerabilities or threats to critical infrastructure, including critical electric infrastructure and advanced metering infrastructure; and (2) the enhancement of domestic preparedness for a cyber attack.

Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish mandatory interim measures to protect against known cyber vulnerabilities or threats to the operation of the critical electric infrastructure in the United States.

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Amends the the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary to evaluate the capacity and authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other federal agencies to ensure the security against a cyber attack and resilience of electronic devices and communication networks essential to the critical infrastructure sectors.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2] · D–MS

Committees

  • Homeland Security Committee
  • Energy and Commerce Committee
27 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology.

  2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.

  3. Referred to House Homeland Security

  4. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  5. Referred to House Energy and Commerce

  6. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1025)

  7. Introduced in House

  8. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.2195 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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