Bill Would Give Critical Infrastructure Operators Free Access to AI Cybersecurity Tools
Summary
Rep. Josh Gottheimer introduced a bill directing CISA to create a pilot giving critical infrastructure operators free access to frontier AI models and technical assistance for cybersecurity. It authorizes $100 million for 2027–2031, subject to appropriations.
Key points
- The AI Cyber Defense Act would establish a Department of Homeland Security program run through CISA.
- Participating critical infrastructure operators could use AI and technical assistance to protect systems, detect and test for vulnerabilities, and remediate them.
- The bill prioritizes nonprofit, publicly owned, rural, and small organizations.
- It authorizes $100 million for the pilot from 2027 to 2031, but Congress would still need to provide the funds through appropriations.
- Gottheimer said the proposal was inspired by recent cyberattacks on water facilities.
- The proposed program is distinct from a recently announced Texas pilot by the Office of the National Cyber Director.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Proposed legislation to establish a CISA pilot program providing critical infrastructure operators free access to frontier AI models and technical assistance for cybersecurity defense.
- Impact
- The proposed program would help participating operators identify, test for, and remediate cybersecurity vulnerabilities, prioritizing nonprofit, publicly owned, rural, and small organizations. The bill authorizes $100 million for 2027–2031, but actual funding would depend on appropriations; the source does not report that the bill has been enacted.
People
Don BaconCo-sponsored the AI Cyber Defense Act.Greg LandsmanCo-sponsored the AI Cyber Defense Act.Hillary ScholtenCo-sponsored the AI Cyber Defense Act.Josh GottheimerIntroduced the AI Cyber Defense Act and described its goal of helping critical infrastructure operators use AI for cybersecurity.Zach NunnCo-sponsored the AI Cyber Defense Act.