This week, Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN), chairman of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, published an opinion piece in the Washington Examiner. In his article, Ogles warned about increasing cyber threats from countries such as China, Russia, and Iran that target America's critical infrastructure.
Ogles highlighted that these threats are not only theoretical but have already affected real communities. He cited a joint advisory from the Department of Homeland Security, National Security Agency, and FBI confirming that Chinese state-sponsored actors have infiltrated U.S. networks with the capability to launch destructive attacks if conflict arises. One group named “Volt Typhoon” reportedly maintained access to segments of critical infrastructure for at least five years before being detected.
He also referenced an incident in Littleton, Massachusetts where hackers linked to China targeted water and electric systems. According to Ogles, “These are deliberate attacks on American communities.”
The op-ed noted new developments in cyber warfare involving artificial intelligence. Last year, Anthropic reported that a China-backed actor used its Claude AI platform to automate parts of a cyber operation targeting global entities.
Ogles emphasized that Russia, Iran, and North Korea continue searching for vulnerabilities in U.S. networks. He stated: “The truth is uncomfortable but unavoidable: We are already in a cyberwar. The remaining question is whether we intend to shape it or simply continue reacting to it.”
As chairman of the subcommittee under the House Committee on Homeland Security, Ogles described his commitment to strengthening national cybersecurity efforts: “I am committed to an America First cybersecurity mission, meaning we must hold cyber aggressors accountable...and ensure the federal government can aggressively respond when deterrence fails.”
He pointed out recent legislative actions by Republicans aimed at improving resilience and deterrence through measures included in broader bills like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. In November 2025, two bills authored by Ogles passed the House: The Protecting Information by Local Leaders for Agency Resilience Act (PILLAR Act), which extends resources for state and local governments facing increased attacks; and the Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act designed to streamline federal responses against threats from countries like China.
Ogles called on the Senate to advance these bills quickly due to ongoing aggression: “I urge the Senate to move swiftly...as Communist China’s cyber aggression continues to intensify.”
He stressed that most critical infrastructure is owned by private companies and underscored public-private collaboration as essential for effective defense strategies. Technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing were discussed during a joint hearing he co-led with Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK). Witnesses from Anthropic, Google, and Quantum Xchange spoke about leveraging emerging technologies while warning about potential risks if adversaries gain an advantage.
Ogles concluded by stating his intention for further hearings focused on cooperation between Congress, federal agencies, and industry partners: “We are in an era of cyber terrorism where cyberattacks can paralyze communities without a single shot being fired.” He argued that securing digital borders is now as important as defending physical ones.
