Bill > HR1604

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for enhancing cybersecurity in the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector through two primary mechanisms. First, the Secretary of Agriculture is required to conduct a biennial risk assessment that evaluates cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities in the food and agricultural sector, examining the nature of potential cyberattacks, their potential impacts on food safety, national security, and the economy, and the current preparedness of government and private entities to prevent and respond to such incidents. The Secretary must consult with private sector entities, including the Food and Agriculture-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC), and submit a detailed report to key congressional committees. Second, the bill mandates an annual cross-sector simulation exercise over five years, designed to test and improve the preparedness of federal, state, tribal, local, and private sector entities in responding to food-related emergencies or disruptions. These exercises will involve realistic scenarios, incorporate input from experts across various disciplines, and aim to identify gaps in food supply chain security, enhance stakeholder coordination, and develop best practices for improving food security and cyber resilience. The bill authorizes $1 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support these simulation exercises, reflecting a proactive approach to protecting the nation's food infrastructure from potential cyber threats.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1604/all-info