Rep. Torres’s Software DHS Supply Chain Risk Management Act of 2021 Passes U.S. House of Representatives

Oct 20, 2021
Other
Press

Bill positions DHS as a federal leader in supply chain security 

WASHINGTON DC – Today, Rep. Ritchie Torres’ (NY-15) DHS Software Supply Chain Risk Management Act of 2021 (H.R. 4611) passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop guidelines for identifying materials used in software development. Specifically, the legislation directs DHS to modernize its information and communication technology or services acquisitions process by requiring the Under Secretary for Management to issue Department-wide guidance to require DHS contractors to submit software bills of materials (SBOM) that identify the origins of each component of the software furnished to DHS.

“As cyberattacks become increasingly frequent and sophisticated, it is crucial that DHS has the capacity to protect its own networks and enhance its visibility into information and communications tech or services that it buys,” said Rep. Torres. “As a federal leader in the cybersecurity space, DHS must set an example by modernizing how it protects its networks.” 

The DHS Software Supply Chain Risk Management Act is an important step in strengthening the relationship and information sharing between DHS and industry partners. The bill follows guidance from President Biden’s May 2021 Executive Order to enhance the security of the federal government’s supply chain and building security of software systems. 

This legislation will allow DHS better insight into the software supply chain to effectively manage potential threats. The SolarWinds cyber espionage campaign highlighted how bad actors can manipulate third-party components in the software supply chain for information and communications technology or services (ICT(S)) used by the federal government. The SolarWinds malware incident was the latest of seven other software supply chain compromise events in the last decade.

“The security and integrity of software bought by DHS is integral to homeland security.  My bill will ensure that the Department has access to prevent, detect, and respond to future cyber-attacks. I am proud to work with the House Homeland Security Committee to provide DHS with the best tools to defend its networks. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to bring up and pass this important piece of legislation.”

Recent Posts


Dec 6, 2023
Press

Rep. Torres, Sen. Gillibrand, and Sen. Padilla Introduce the LGBTQI+ Business Equal Credit Enforcement & Investment Act

Washington, D.C.- Today, Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) introduced the LGBTQI+ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act with Senators Gillibrand (NY) and Padilla (CA). The bill would require financial institutions to collect data on LGBTQI+-owned businesses’ access to credit and capital, and amend part of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which requires financial institutions to […]



Dec 4, 2023
Press

U.S. Reps. Torres, González-Colón, and Soto Push for More Information on FEMA’s Plan to Remove Temporary Power Generator in Puerto Rico

Washington, DC- U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Jenniffer González-Colón (PR), and Darren Soto (FL-09) sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell with concerns about FEMA’s current plans to remove the temporary power generation units in Puerto Rico. FEMA initially indicated its intention to provide 700MW of dispatchable energy within two months for two years […]



Nov 20, 2023
Press

U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres Awarded $1,000,000 in Community Project Funding to Hostos Community College 

Bronx, NY- Today, U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) awarded $1,000,000 in community project funding to Hostos Community College in the Bronx. The funding, which Rep. Torres successfully secured in the final Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, will be used to enable sixteen students to transfer to high-quality baccalaureate and postgraduate degrees in Public Health at Columbia […]