The House today approved by voice vote the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act (HR 1073), which would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to, among other things: direct the Department of Homeland Security to include in national planning frameworks the threat of electromagnetic pulse events caused by solar storms or by intentional means including acts of terrorism; direct DHS to conduct research and development to mitigate the consequences of EMP events; and direct DHS to provide congressional committees with strategy recommendations to protect and prepare U.S. critical infrastructure against EMP events.

“Passage of this important legislation presents an opportunity for America and the free world to address and mitigate the vulnerability that naturally occurring or weaponized EMP represents to the mechanisms of our civilization,” said Rep. Trent Franks (R., Ariz.), sponsor of the bill, in a statement.

“If this bill is signed into law it will represent the first time in history that Congress will be specifically addressing this dangerous threat of electromagnetic pulse. This legislation will enhance DHS threat assessments for EMP, help the United States prepare and prevent for such an event and improve educational awareness for first responders to protect critical infrastructure,” he said. – John Curran, john.curran@wolterskluwer.com

Courtesy TRDaily