S 719 Introduced – Cybersecurity Research Grants

Last month Sen. Sheldon (D,RI) introduced S 719, the United States-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2017. This is a companion bill to HR 612 that passed in the House last month.

This bill does use the industrial control system inclusive definition of ‘cybersecurity threat’ from 6 USC 1501, so ICS research grants would be covered. Unfortunately, DHS S&T would have to use existing grant funding authorizations to provide the money for these grants since the bill specifically includes no new funding {§2(c)}. As is common, this further dilutes the grants funded by S&T.

If this bill is considered in the Senate, it is likely the House version that will be considered on the floor under the Senate unanimous consent process. If this version of the bill is brought up in Committee and amended this will only serve to delay final consideration of the bill.