Bill > S1018

This bill establishes a new Cybersecurity Circuit Rider Program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help rural water and wastewater system associations improve their cybersecurity capabilities. The program will provide technical assistance to these associations, including rapid assessments of their ability to respond to cybersecurity threats, develop protective protocols, address inadequate cyber protection plans, and document the state of cyber protection for their water supplies. Circuit riders (technical experts) who participate in the program must have the necessary experience and certifications to effectively assist these rural water systems. The program requires participants to submit reports detailing the associations they serve and the activities performed. Congress would authorize $10 million in funding for each fiscal year from 2025 through 2029 to support this initiative. The goal is to help small, often under-resourced rural water systems better protect their critical infrastructure and public health from potential cyber threats.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1018/all-info