The House of Representatives has passed two pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening the United States’ cybersecurity defenses, particularly against threats from China. The measures, H.R. 5078—the “Protecting Information by Local Leaders for Agency Resilience Act” (PILLAR Act)—and H.R. 2659—the “Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act”—received bipartisan support.
Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) of the House Committee on Homeland Security commented on the passage of the PILLAR Act:
“As sophisticated nation-state adversaries and criminals target our nation’s critical infrastructure and government agencies in cyberspace, it is essential that states and localities have the necessary tools to protect the networks our communities rely on. The PILLAR Act continues and improves the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, which provides vital resources to bolster our local cyber defenses. We have seen success through efforts such as deploying student-led regional security operations centers in partnership with community colleges to train local cyber talent and providing shared services across the state for end point detection and response (EDR) capabilities, multi-factor authentication, and cybersecurity trainings, just to name a few. I am grateful that the House has passed Congressman Ogles’ bill to continue supporting proactive cyber resilience efforts across the country, while also enhancing this program to ensure it can continue doing so effectively for years to come.”
Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), sponsor of the PILLAR Act, said:
“Today, the House took a major step toward securing America. My PILLAR Act passed with strong support because cybersecurity is national security. This legislation puts America First by giving our states, counties, and small towns the tools they need to combat foreign cyber adversaries. President Trump has called for unmatched dominance in every arena of modern warfare to ensure we can defeat the enemies of the United States. With this bill, we deliver.”
The PILLAR Act reauthorizes a Department of Homeland Security grant program that helps state, local, tribal, and territorial governments address cybersecurity risks affecting information systems—including those using artificial intelligence—and operational technology systems.
On H.R. 2659—focused specifically on countering state-sponsored threats—Chairman Garbarino stated:
“Now more than ever, it’s critical for the federal government to take a proactive, whole-of-government approach to countering escalating cyber threats from the Chinese Communist Party. I’m pleased the House passed Representative Ogles’ bill to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure by improving interagency coordination efforts to detect, prevent, and prepare for cyber threats posed by our greatest geopolitical adversary. As threats in cyberspace evolve rapidly, I urge the Senate to help send this legislation to President Trump’s desk without delay.”
Rep. Ogles added:
“I am honored that HR 2659 has passed the House and will soon make its way to the Senate. Our adversaries abroad are using cyberspace as the battlefield to undermine American sovereignty and interests. Now that my bill has passed, we are one step closer to locking out the foreign communists trying to steal American data. I want to thank Chairman Garbarino for his leadership and support in advancing this critical legislation. America First cybersecurity is the way, and this bill provides a critical solution.”
Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI), who cosponsored H.R. 2659 along with Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL), said:
“The Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act ensures our federal agencies have the resources they need to build a unified and effective response to Chinese-backed cyber-attacks. As Chairman of the Select Committee on China, I understand the threats CCP poses to our cyber space and critical infrastructure. This legislation will strengthen our national cybersecurity and give us ability more quickly counter threats like Volt Typhoon.”
H.R. 2659 establishes an interagency task force led by CISA and FBI focused on addressing widespread cybersecurity threats from actors linked with China’s government or military organizations known as state-sponsored actors associated with Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The task force must provide Congress with annual classified reports over five years detailing findings related malicious CCP activity.
Both bills were advanced out of committee earlier in 2025 before being brought before full House vote.
Supporters include various industry groups such as Alliance for Digital Innovation (ADI), Better Identity Coalition (BIC), National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO), Palo Alto Networks among others.
