The Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act would address vulnerabilities in rural water systems by providing updated cyber defenses and technical assistance. Additionally, the Food and Agriculture Industry Cybersecurity Support Act would help farmers and ranchers prevent and respond to threats, including ransomware attacks.
"Our communities are the foundation of what makes South Dakota a great place to live, work and raise a family," Rounds said. "It is crucial that people living in those communities can go about their daily lives without interruption. These two pieces of bipartisan legislation would help make certain water systems have adequate cyber protection and would provide farmers and ranchers with expanded access to cybersecurity resources. I am pleased to join Senator Cortez Masto to introduce these bills that would work to protect our communities across the state."
Rounds is the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity.
The Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act would update and expand the Circuit Rider Program to assess the cybersecurity of small water and wastewater utilities, develop protocols to enhance cyber defenses and provide assistance to improve cyber protections. Currently, only 20% of water and wastewater systems across the U.S. have even basic levels of cyber protection.
Representatives Zach Nunn, R- Iowa, and Don Davis, D-N.C., have introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
This legislation is endorsed by the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems, National Rural Water Association and CyberSolarium 2.0.
" South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems wholeheartedly supports the Senate's legislative efforts to incorporate the 'Cybersecurity Circuit Rider' into the upcoming Farm Bill, recognizing the invaluable benefits it will provide to rural water systems in South Dakota," said Kurt Pfeifle, Executive Director of South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems. "We extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Rounds for his steadfast leadership in championing the needs of South Dakota and Rural America."
The Food and Agriculture Industry Cybersecurity Support Act would create a specialized hub within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to help agricultural producers secure technology, equipment and hardware to protect their operations. It would also create a hotline for industry-specific advice and best practices to adhere to cybersecurity issues.
Representatives August Pfluger, R-Texas, and Marc Veasey, D-Texas, have introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
This legislation is endorsed by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and International Fresh Produce Association.
"Our national security includes food security, which is why it is so critical for federal authorities to strengthen protections against cyber attacks in the agricultural sector," said National Cattlemen's Beef Association Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. "As cell phones and tablets become even more critical tools in the saddle bag, Congress is wise to strengthen our digital defenses now to prevent a future cyber-attack from endangering our nation's food supply."
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