Committee Hearings – Week of 4-20-17

With it looking like the FY 2017 spending issue is fixed the House and Senate start to expand their work agenda with many hearings scheduled this week. Three of these may be of specific interest to readers this week; hearings concerning cybersecurity, maritime regulations, and EMP.

Cybersecurity

The House Science, Space, and Technology committee will hold a markup hearing on HR 2105, the NIST Small Business Cybersecurity Act of 2017. I did not cover HR 2105 because it sadly does not address control system security issues. Maybe this markup will change that.

Maritime Regulations

The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will hold a hearing on “Maritime Transportation Regulatory Issues”. The witness list includes:

• Paul F. Thomas, United States Coast Guard

• Michael A. Khouri, Federal Maritime Commission

• Todd Schauer, American Salvage Association

• Steven Candito, National Response Corporation

• Nicholas Nedeau, Rapid Ocean Response Corporation

• Norman “Buddy” Custard, Alaska Maritime Prevention and Response Network

• Thomas Allegretti, American Waterways Operators

• Peter Ford, Ports America

• John Butler, World Shipping Council

We might see some discussion on pending regulatory issues related to MTSA, chemical transportation safety and cybersecurity. Do not expect much in the way of details.

EMP Policy

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will be holding a hearing on the threat posed by electromagnetic pulse and policy options to protect energy infrastructure and to improve capabilities for adequate system restoration. A witness list is not yet available.