Review - HR 3701 Introduced – PIPE Act

Last month, Rep Delgado (D,NY) introduced HR 3701, the Protecting Infrastructure and Promoting the Economy (PIPE) Act. The bill would require the EPA to establish two new discretionary grant programs; one for wastewater infrastructure and one for drinking water infrastructure. While there is no specific mention of cybersecurity, the grant projects are defined broadly enough to include coverage of cybersecurity support of projects. The bill would authorize the expenditure of $1 billion per year through 2031 for each grant program.

Delgado and two of his cosponsors {Norton (D,DC), and Cohen (D,TN)} are members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the primary of two committees to which this bill was assigned for consideration. This means that there may be sufficient influence to see the bill considered in Committee. Because of the large amount of spending authorized by the bill, I would expect to see significant opposition to this bill from Republicans. It might not be enough to stop consideration in Committee, but it would stop the bill from being able to be considered on the floor of the House under the suspension of the rules process. It is unlikely that this bill would make it to the floor of the House under regular order.

For a more detailed review of the bill’s language and my suggestions for changes, see my article at CFSN Detailed Analysis - https://patrickcoyle.substack.com/p/hr-3701-introduced - subscription required.

Bills Introduced – 6-4-21

Yesterday with just the House meeting in pro forma session, there were 68 bills introduced. Five of those bills may receive additional coverage in this blog:

HR 3684 To authorize funds for Federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs, and for other purposes. Rep. DeFazio, Peter A. [D-OR-4]

HR 3691 To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a smart wastewater infrastructure technology grant program, and for other purposes. Rep. Bourdeaux, Carolyn [D-GA-7]

HR 3701 To establish water infrastructure grant programs. Rep. Delgado, Antonio [D-NY-19] 

HR 3711 To amend title 49, United States Code, regarding the authority of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over highly automated vehicles, to provide safety measures for such vehicles, and for other purposes. Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5]

HR 3713 To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue guidance with respect to space systems, services, and technology as critical infrastructure, and for other purposes. Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33]

I will be watching HR 3684 for language addressing transportation cybersecurity and chemical transportation safety or security issues. I will almost certainly continue to follow this bill through the legislative process for potential amendments addressing the same.

I will be watching both HR 3691 and HR 3701 for language and definitions indicating that cybersecurity technology funding is specifically covered by the respective grant programs.

I will be watching HR 3713 for language or definitions that indicate the required guidance will specifically address control system security issues.

I will be following HR 3711.