Tom Malinowski

Mr. MALINOWSKI

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Manning).

Mr. MALINOWSKI

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 8520.

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8520, the Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Act. Imagine the following: A senior official for a NATO ally of the United States transmits a vital national security matter to his country's embassy here in Washington, but before the call even reaches the embassy, it is intercepted by Chinese spyware, which transmits the call to Beijing. Before our officials even hear the top-secret message, CCP officials have captured and recorded the information. Threats like this are very real and on the rise. Even here in the United States, intelligence and defense officials are concerned that telecommunications equipment made by the company Huawei could capture communications about our nuclear arsenal. Around the world, the problem is worse. Many of our partners and allies have all of their major cell phone networks backed by unsafe equipment giving the PRC and its friends backdoor access to our private communications. Many countries, replete with this unsafe equipment, have mutual defense treaties with the United States. The Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Act would be a crucial tool to address these security issues. First, it would require the State Department to ensure that the Department itself is not relying on unsafe equipment at our embassies around the world. Second, it would require a comprehensive report on the telecommunications security of all countries with which the United States has a mutual defense treaty. Third, it authorizes our State Department to provide diplomatic support for telecommunications projects and pushes our United States Trade and Development Agency to finance important projects in this area. Finally, it requires mobile network operators listed on American stock exchanges to disclose whether they have Huawei, ZTE, or other unsafe equipment in their networks. Currently, many network operators fail to disclose this information despite existing sanctions against Huawei. This provision would be beneficial for our national security but also crucial for investors and shareholders in these companies. I thank Representatives Wild and Wagner for their important work on this bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 8520, the Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Act is an important initiative in finding and addressing American vulnerabilities to cyber spying and espionage, particularly in our communications with partners and allies whose unsecure networks may provide backdoor access to these increasing threats. I, once again, thank Representatives Wild and Wagner for their tremendous work in advancing this bill and their commitment to protecting our national security from cyber and security threats. I hope my colleagues will join us in supporting this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MALINOWSKI

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Republicans swore up and down that all they wanted was for the States to decide. But this week, in this Congress, they introduced a national criminal ban on abortion, saying this is what we stand for, this is what we will do if our party takes the House and Senate. Their bill is designed for one purpose and will have one effect: to shred protections women still enjoy in States like New Jersey, where we codified Roe v. Wade this year. Let me tell you where the overwhelming majority of folks in New Jersey stand. We know abortion is a painful and personal issue for many families. That is precisely why we want and trust women to decide, not the government. The issue is complicated. Who decides is not. That is why I will do everything in my power to prevent Congress from imposing on New Jersey laws that treat women and doctors as criminals and why we must enshrine the freedoms Roe v. Wade protected in the law of our land once and for all.

Mr. MALINOWSKI

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the ordering of the yeas and nays on amendment No. 451 printed in part A of House Report 117-405 be vitiated to the end that the amendment be withdrawn.

Mr. MALINOWSKI

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5658) to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a report on the cybersecurity roles and responsibilities of the Federal Government, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. MALINOWSKI

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, before I begin debate on today's legislation, I will take a moment to acknowledge the tragic, bloody events of this weekend in Milwaukee, Buffalo, and Orange County, California. The loss of life and extent of injury to innocent people, as we all know, are staggering. These incidents are all under investigation but, from a homeland security perspective, I will zero in, in particular, on the events in New York where we have, I think, a fairly good picture of what motivated a man to gun down innocent people, an event that has happened too many times in recent history in our country. This young man clearly was motivated by an idea, a hateful idea and a racist idea, and one that is sadly familiar to us. It is the same idea that motivated another man to gun down African Americans in Charleston, South Carolina. It is the same idea that motivated yet another man to gun down Hispanic Americans in El Paso, Texas. It is the same idea that motivated another man to gun down Jewish Americans in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is an idea that spreads on the internet. But it doesn't just spread organically. Social media companies write algorithms deliberately designed to connect people who are susceptible to this hateful idea to others who may be propagating it. It is an idea that sadly is sometimes amplified and legitimized by political leaders and media personalities in our country. We have a domestic terrorism problem in America. We all understand that on the Homeland Security Committee. If this problem was coming from outside the United States, it would be easy for us to come together to deal with it. Imagine if after the September 11 attacks there were cable news hosts who night after night propagated ideas straight from al-Qaida's propaganda materials. We wouldn't tolerate it. Nobody would for one moment think that was acceptable in the United States of America. But because it is a domestic problem rooted in our own society, it is harder. We have to find a way to come together, nonetheless. I think there are two kinds of leaders in America today, not Democrat, Republican, liberal, or conservative. There are leaders who, when they see a fire burning, they reach for a bucket of water to put it out. And there are leaders who, when they see a fire burning, reach for a can of gasoline to make that fire burn even more. We desperately need leaders in this country, of both political parties, who will try to calm things down and who will tamp down these horrible, hateful ideas, whether they are coming from the left or the right, wherever they are coming from, because these ideas are leading to people being gunned down in our country. It is unacceptable, and it has to stop. Mr. Speaker, let's turn to the legislation before us today. Mr. Speaker, as a nation, we are fortunate to have so many dedicated public servants who work for our Federal Government and help keep us safe. Unfortunately, they frequently go without the recognition they deserve for their hard work. The President's Cup Cybersecurity Competition Act authorizes an innovative prize competition where cyber talent within the ranks of Federal departments and agencies is honored. Today, it is critical to our homeland and national security that the Federal Government attract, develop, and retain dedicated and talented employees to carry out cybersecurity and cyber defense activities. It is not lost on me that, by choosing to work for the government rather than the private sector, these in-demand professionals often forgo more lucrative career opportunities. H.R. 6824 would authorize the cyber competition that CISA hosts and ensure that financial awards can be provided to the winning individuals and teams in recognition of their achievement. In the short period of time that the President's Cup has been around, it has become a much- sought-after prize among talented Federal cyber practitioners, many of whom are civilians or active military. By permanently authorizing this competition, Congress can ensure that it remains a vital part of our strategy to identify, retain, and reward the best cybersecurity talent in the Federal Government. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Representative Luria for her leadership in authoring this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6824) to authorize the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department of Homeland Security to hold an annual cybersecurity competition relating to offensive and defensive cybersecurity disciplines, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, the President's Cup Cybersecurity Competition has been an important part of our strategy to support a strong Federal cybersecurity workforce in recent years. Unfortunately, without congressional authorization, it lacks the stability it needs. So thanks to this legislation, authored by my committee colleague, Representative Luria, we have the opportunity to authorize and preserve a key retention tool in the Federal toolbox to ensure that talented Federal cyber professionals get the recognition they deserve. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6824, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MALINOWSKI

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in recent months the world has watched in horror as Russia launched its unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine. Russia's actions have, once again, reminded us of the potential for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure here in the United States. With State and local governments operating large amounts of critical infrastructure, including essential public services like schools, emergency response agencies, and water utilities, it is essential that State and local governments have strong cybersecurity practices. In March, in response to the current threat landscape, President Biden sent a letter to the Nation's Governors urging them to take actions to enhance their cyber defenses. The Federal Government must continue to expand our partnerships with States as they carry out this important national security work. Congress has already taken some critical steps in this effort this Congress, thanks to the leadership of my colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee. Last year, the House passed Congresswoman Yvette Clarke's State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act which created a new grant program to assist State, local, Tribal, and territorial Governments with strengthening their cybersecurity. This legislation was signed by President Biden in the fall as part of the bipartisan infrastructure law and will provide $1 billion in much-needed help over the next 4 years. Additionally, last year, Congress passed the K-12 Cybersecurity Act introduced by Senator Peters and Congressman Langevin. That bill directs the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to study the cyber risks posed to K-12 educational institutions and provide them with additional resources to better defend themselves. Right now, I am proud to be working on a bipartisan basis with Senators Peters and Cornyn, and my Homeland Security Committee colleague Representative Garbarino, on the Satellite Cybersecurity Act, urgently needed legislation to better protect critical infrastructure used at the municipal, State, and Federal level that relies on commercial satellite data to work properly. Passing S. 2520 will build on these efforts by further strengthening the relationship between DHS and State and local Governments as they work to defend our country against cyberattacks. More specifically, it would permit DHS to provide State and local Governments with access to cybersecurity resources and encourage collaboration in using these resources, including joint cybersecurity exercises. Additionally, the bill will strengthen the relationship between DHS and the Multi State Information Sharing and Analysis Center to help State and local governments receive the most updated information regarding potential threats and gain access to greater technical assistance. I thank Senators Peters and Portman for their leadership in introducing this bill, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 2520) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for engagements with State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, and for other purposes.

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, we rely on State and local governments for some of our most basic and necessary public services. We have seen many communities across the country experience disruptions in those vital services due to ransomware attacks originating from Russia. In this current threat environment, with a heightened risk of even more dangerous cyberattacks, S. 2520 would enhance DHS's collaboration with State and local governments in addressing this pressing national security threat. By passing this bill and sending it to the President, we will continue our ongoing efforts to expand critical Federal cybersecurity assistance to State and local governments. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 2520, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MALINOWSKI

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6873) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Office for Bombing Prevention to address terrorist explosive threats, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, between January 4 and February 16 of this year, there were over 50 bomb threats that disproportionately targeted historically Black colleges and universities, Black churches, mosques, and synagogues across our country. These racially and ethnically targeted bomb threats have continued through the spring. They have sowed fear, disrupted academic instruction, and interfered with the ability of Americans to worship safely. They have also brought into focus the diversity of the current homeland security threat picture and reminded us that conventional threats, like bombings, deserve sustained attention, even as efforts to counter mass shootings and cyber threats have to be intensified. I introduced H.R. 6873, the Bombing Prevention Act of 2022, for the first time to authorize the Office for Bombing Prevention. For the past 15 years, the Office for Bombing Prevention has been responsible for coordinating DHS' efforts at preventing, protecting against, mitigating the effects of, and responding to improvised explosive devices here domestically, and helping our partners and allies around the world do the same. The Office for Bombing Prevention is squarely focused on protecting critical infrastructure, working with private sector partners, and supporting our Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial entities to mitigate explosive effects on critical infrastructure. To that end, it regularly engages with stakeholders, including educational stakeholders, about accessing the office's training and tools, such as its counter-IED capability. H.R. 6873 would bring needed permanence and predictability to the operations of this office and position it to build capacity to meet growing demands for its services. Importantly, my bill directs the office to develop a strategy that aligns its operations with the threat environment and stakeholder needs; improves the sharing of information about explosive threats; and enhances awareness of the office's capabilities to those around the country who are most at risk. The bill also directs the Secretary of the DHS to provide to public- and private-sector entities technical assistance services related to countering these explosive threats. Finally, to keep the office accountable, H.R. 6873 requires an annual report to Congress. This bipartisan legislation, which I was pleased to introduce with my colleague from Arkansas (Mr. Crawford), will better position the Office for Bombing Prevention to provide counter-explosives resources to stakeholders as the threat environment changes, making communities across America more secure and helping to ensure that in this country, no person should have to work, study, or worship while living in fear of a terrorist bombing. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, in my home State of New Jersey, there have been more than 25 bomb scares since 2020, threatening public schools, universities, community centers, and religious institutions. Just last fall in my district, the Roxbury Township school system received a bomb threat that led to panic and K9 sweeps on school property during teaching hours, and nearby Hopewell Valley Central High School encountered an explosive threat that forced the school to evacuate and shut down early for the day. In addition, 7 years ago this September, over a 2-day period, communities in Seaside Park and Elizabeth, New Jersey, as well as the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan were rocked by three bombings that wounded 31 people. Subsequent analysis done by the Office for Bombing Prevention at DHS determined that each of the devices planted by the assailant was completely different from the others. Two of the bombs were pipe bombs, two were homemade pressure cooker bombs, some used modified Christmas tree lights and cellphones, and one of the pressure cooker bombs used two different chemicals that alone are not dangerous but ignite when combined. The office concluded that while each of the bombs was different, all included elements detailed in several issues of al-Qaida's Inspire magazine. The invaluable analysis carried out by the office in the wake of the September 2016 New Jersey-area attacks was shared with first responders and homeland security stakeholders all across the country, underscoring the expertise of the Office for Bombing Prevention and the important role it plays in equipping our communities with the best information available to keep the public safe. Today, the office provides critical support to help defend communities across America from the threats posed by explosives, but we need to empower it to do more. The Bombing Prevention Act does just that. It has been endorsed by the Anti-Defamation League and by the Jewish Federations of North America. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6873, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MALINOWSKI

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6871) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for certain acquisition authorities for the Under Secretary of Management of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.

Mr. MALINOWSKI

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6825, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act. More than 20 years after the September 11 attacks, the terrorism threat landscape has grown significantly more complex, and houses of worship and other nonprofits have become targets for domestic and foreign terrorists. Earlier this year, four Americans were held at gunpoint by a terrorist at a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas. During the Colleyville attack, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker used security training to help bring the standoff to an end without injury to his congregants. The training that proved so crucial that Sabbath was funded by the Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The NSGP, as it has come to be known, is a competitive grant program that provides funding to nonprofit organizations, such as religious institutions, at high risk of a terrorist attack to help bolster their security. Grant funding is primarily used to pay for active shooter training, fencing, barriers, and surveillance cameras. In recent years, demand for the program has grown exponentially, given the heightened threat environment that we face. Over the past 3 years, to meet this demand, Congress has increased funding almost threefold to $250 million in fiscal year 2022. Even with significant new resources, FEMA reported that, in fiscal year 2021, there was a $200 million gap between applications and funding. To provide FEMA with more resources to help bolster the security of more at-risk nonprofits, H.R. 6825 authorizes $500 million in grant funding for fiscal years 2023 to 2028. This bipartisan bill, which was introduced by the leaders of the Committee on Homeland Security, Chairman Bennie Thompson and Ranking Member John Katko, also includes a range of enhancements to the program's operations. H.R. 6825 would establish a dedicated program office to carry out education, outreach, and engagement to provide technical assistance and support. Among other things, it includes technical changes to eliminate or prevent administrative or operational obstacles that may impact access by eligible applicants; sets baseline requirements for States that administer the program; and requires audits to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. The legislation, which was developed in close coordination with FEMA, was unanimously supported by the committee in March. Before I conclude, I would like to address an article that appeared in the Jewish Link, a prominent news outlet for the Jewish community in New Jersey and New York, in which questions were raised about the grant guidance for the program for the current fiscal year. On behalf of Chairman Thompson, let me express my appreciation to Representatives Pascrell and Gottheimer, in particular, for alerting the committee to these concerns and the chairman's commitment to engage FEMA about the questions that were raised. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6825) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance the funding and administration of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes, as amended.