Critical Infrastructure Protection Act Passes House Homeland Security Committee
From the Office of Congressman Trent Franks:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Committee on Homeland Security passed the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act (CIPA), important legislation to protect Americans from an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), a threat experts consider one of the most serious risks to our national security. Rep. Trent Franks along with Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Michael McCaul, and Chairman of the Rules Committee, Rep. Pete Sessions, released the following statements:
Congressman Trent Franks: “I sincerely applaud and thank Chairman McCaul and the House Committee on Homeland Security for passing the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act (CIPA) out of Committee today. The electric grid is fundamental to our modern way of life and is a vital component of nearly every other critical infrastructure in America. Reducing its vulnerability to naturally occurring or weaponized electromagnetic pulse is a matter of national security. Most notably, CIPA directs and empowers the Department of Homeland Security to harden and protect our critical infrastructure including power production, generation, and distribution systems. I’m encouraged by this movement and expect my colleagues in the House of Representatives to take this decisive step to protect our nation when CIPA comes to the Floor for a vote.” | Contact: Destiny Decker (202) 225-4576
Chairman Michael McCaul: “Experts have warned us about the threat of EMP events to our critical infrastructure. Such an event could severely disrupt all Americans’ way of life. The impact could cause serious damage to the Nations’ critical infrastructure making this vitally important to our homeland security defenses. The Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, which passed through my Committee, is a huge step forward in our resiliency and preparedness from an EMP event. I appreciate Congressman Franks’ dedication and collaboration with me to address this vital national security matter.” | Contact: Susan Phalen (202) 224-8477
Chairman Pete Sessions: “Today’s passage of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act is an important first step towards protecting our nation’s critical infrastructure. I applaud my friend Congressman Trent Franks’ hard work on this important issue and I wholeheartedly support this bill so that we can secure our electrical grid, educate the public about this potential threat, and implement effective measures to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure.” | Contact: Caroline Boothe (202) 225-2231