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Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Enhance Cybersecurity in Defense Supply Chain

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif) and Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN) have introduced legislation aimed at enhancing cybersecurity in the defense supply chain. The Small Manufacturer Cybersecurity Enhancement Act would authorize the Department of Defense to provide financial assistance to Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers for cybersecurity services to help small manufacturers in the defense supply chain.

The bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a response to the growing threat of cyber attacks on the defense supply chain, particularly for small manufacturers. The MEP Centers, public-private partnerships located in all 50 states, are uniquely positioned to assist small businesses with cybersecurity requirements. The legislation would enhance the work of MEP Centers to provide cybersecurity assistance to small manufacturers supporting the national defense.

The bill's introduction follows the introduction of a House version of the legislation by Congressman Panetta earlier this year. Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) joined Panetta in the House introduction of the legislation. The bill aims to provide resources for defense manufacturers to protect themselves from the threat of cyber attacks and to lower barriers of entry for aspiring industry leaders.

The Small Manufacturer Cybersecurity Enhancement Act has gained support from various organizations, including the American Small Manufacturers Coalition.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Small Manufacturer Cybersecurity Enhancement Act is a bipartisan, bicameral legislation aimed at enhancing cybersecurity in the defense supply chain.
  • The bill would authorize the Department of Defense to provide financial assistance to Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers for cybersecurity services to help small manufacturers in the defense supply chain.
  • The assistance can be used to promote awareness, assessment, evaluation, preparation, and implementation of cybersecurity services; achieve compliance with cybersecurity requirements; and hire trained personnel.
  • The legislation is a response to the growing threat of cyber attacks on the defense supply chain, particularly for small manufacturers.
  • The MEP Centers, public-private partnerships located in all 50 states, are uniquely positioned to assist small businesses with cybersecurity requirements.
  • Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif), Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN), and Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) are supporting the bill.
  • The American Small Manufacturers Coalition has expressed support for the bill.

Statistics:

  • 50: The number of states with Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers, which are public-private partnerships that can assist small businesses with cybersecurity requirements.
  • 10s of thousands: The number of Hoosiers employed in Indiana businesses in the defense supply chain.
  • 3: The number of co-sponsors of the House version of the bill introduced earlier this year by Congressman Panetta.
  • FY21 NDAA bills: The Small Manufacturer Cybersecurity Enhancement Act provision was included in both the House and Senate FY21 NDAA bills.

Sources:

  • Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)
  • Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN)
  • Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC)
  • American Small Manufacturers Coalition
  • MIL OSI USA News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/) - Copyright 2020 Multimedia Investments Ltd, distributed by Contify.com

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