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Ranking Member Chabot Introduces Two Bipartisan Small Business Cybersecurity Bills

WASHINGTON – Last week, House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Steve Chabot (R-OH) reintroduced two bipartisan pieces of legislation to improve cybersecurity resources for America’s small businesses.  H.R. 1648, the Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2019, and H.R. 1649, the Small Business Development Center Cyber Training Act of 2019, provide crucial resources for small businesses to plan and implement cybersecurity protections and combat cyber attacks.  Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) is a co-sponsor of both bills. 

“In today’s digital world, no one is safe from the threat of a cyber attack, and all too often, American small businesses fall victim,” said Ranking Member Chabot.  “H.R. 1648 and H.R. 1649 are two important pieces of legislation that work to prepare small businesses for any potential cyber threats.  Unfortunately, small businesses often lack the resources and technical knowledge to prevent cyber attacks before they happen.  H.R. 1649 would establish a cyber counseling certification program in lead Small Business Development Centers to provide specific, free-of-charge cyber training for small businesses, while H.R. 1648 would open new avenues for small businesses to collaborate with the federal government and boost small business protections.  With 81 percent of small businesses concerned about a potential cyber attack, it’s time we provided them the resources to run their businesses without fear.”

“While online connectivity has certainly stimulated small business growth, it has also devastatingly exposed them to cyberattacks by hackers and other bad actors who often see small firms as particularly vulnerable targets,” said Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez. “For this reason, I am pleased to join with Ranking Member Chabot to reintroduce two commonsense proposals that would expand cybersecurity training for Small Business Development Centers and allow them to help more small businesses take the necessary measures to safeguard their data and information.”

The Small Business Committee has held several hearings on small business cybersecurity and strategies for information sharing.