Bill > HR7208

This bill, titled the "PROTECT the Grid Act," aims to safeguard the United States electric grid by addressing vulnerabilities posed by Internet-connected devices and applications controlled by foreign adversaries. It directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with other federal officials, to produce a report within 270 days of enactment that assesses national security risks associated with "foreign adversary-controlled applications" – defined as any website or application operated by an entity subject to the jurisdiction of, or acting on behalf of, a foreign adversary – that can control "high-wattage IoT devices" (Internet of Things devices consuming over 500 watts, like electric vehicle chargers or smart appliances). The report will consider the widespread use of these devices, the potential for coordinated manipulation of power demand, and the implications for critical infrastructure, including the risk of blackouts. The bill also mandates that the report include recommendations for mitigation measures, such as applying existing executive orders on securing technology supply chains to these devices, restricting federal procurement of affected products, and implementing certification or labeling requirements. Furthermore, it codifies into law Executive Order 13873, which relates to securing the information and communications technology and services supply chain, reinforcing the government's authority to address these threats. The context for this bill is the growing concern that smart appliances, particularly those manufactured or controlled by companies with ties to foreign adversaries like the People's Republic of China, could be exploited to disrupt the U.S. electric grid, especially during times of conflict.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7208/all-info