House Passes Miller-Meeks Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Rural and Municipal Utilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks' (IA-01) bipartisan Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, legislation to strengthen America's energy grid by helping rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.

The legislation reauthorizes the Rural and Municipal Utility Advanced Cybersecurity Grant and Technical Assistance Program, providing critical resources to help smaller utilities deploy advanced cybersecurity technologies, strengthen information sharing, and protect the infrastructure millions of Americans rely on every day. The bill authorizes $250 million over five years to support these efforts.

"America's electric grid is one of our most critical national assets, and cybercriminals and foreign adversaries know that" said Miller-Meeks. "Our rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities play an indispensable role in powering our communities, yet they often face the same sophisticated cyber threats with far fewer resources. As those threats continue to evolve, Congress must ensure every utility has the tools it needs to defend critical infrastructure, protect American families and businesses, and strengthen our national security. I'm proud the House has passed this bipartisan legislation, and I urge the Senate to swiftly send it to the President's desk." 

As threats to our nation’s energy infrastructure grow more frequent and more complex, it’s essential that we strengthen our grid’s security in order to keep our communities safe,” said Energy & Commerce Chairman Guthrie. “These four bills provide critical solutions to help us meet the challenges we face. By strengthening our security planning, ensuring the Department of Energy has the leadership necessary to confront threats, providing utilities with the tools necessary to protect the grid, and supporting increased collaboration between grid operators and the federal government, we can stay ahead of adversaries and ensure reliable, secure energy for American families and businesses.”

Rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities often operate with limited cybersecurity personnel and resources despite serving millions of Americans and supporting critical infrastructure. The Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act ensures these providers have access to advanced cybersecurity tools, technical assistance, and grant funding to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from cyber threats.

The Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act will:

• Strengthen America's electric grid by helping rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
• Provide grants and technical assistance so smaller utilities can deploy modern cybersecurity technologies, improve information sharing, and respond more effectively to cyber incidents.
• Protect American families, businesses, and critical infrastructure by ensuring every community has access to the tools needed to safeguard reliable electric service.

The legislation is bipartisan and was introduced with Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04). It has earned support from leading energy organizations, including the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the American Public Power Association.

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration

###