To bolster national security, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) has taken a leading role in addressing the critical infrastructure vulnerabilities that threaten the United States.
As a member of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, Rep. Lee has been at the forefront of discussions surrounding the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program, a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing the safety and security of chemical facilities across the nation.
During a recent subcommittee hearing, Rep. Laurel Lee diligently questioned witnesses on the significance of the CFATS program in safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure.
She sought to understand the program’s role in mitigating the risks associated with certain chemicals and the potential terrorist threats posed by foreign actors.
“The CFATS program identifies and regulates high-risk chemical facilities across the U.S. to ensure they have security measures in place to reduce the risks associated with certain chemicals and terrorist threats posed by foreign actors,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “My bill will ensure that the CFATS Program remains authorized so that Department of Homeland Security Officials can continue working with these facilities to keep our communities safe.”
Lee introduced H.R. 4470, the “Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorists Attacks Act of 2023.”
This legislation aims to extend the CFATS authority and ensure that the regulatory standards dictating the practices of chemical facilities are reauthorized.
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The bill passed in the House of Representatives on July 25, 2023.
Lee also questioned witnesses on the role of cyber insurance in planning, response, and recovery efforts related to critical infrastructure protection.
This multifaceted approach underscores her comprehensive understanding of the evolving threats and the need for a holistic security strategy that addresses physical and cyber vulnerabilities.
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