WASHINGTON, D.C - Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-8) and Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) introduced the Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act Thursday - legislation to encourage cooperation between the United States and Ukraine on matters of cybersecurity and require State Department reporting to Congress on best practices to protect against future cyber attacks.
“Cybersecurity is a complex and serious national and economic security issue for any nation. For years, Ukraine has been under siege from nation-state cyber-attacks that have sought to weaken its government and undermine hopes for an open and democratic society. The United States must play an important role in this fight. By not adequately responding and adapting to these cyber-threats in Eastern Europe, our nation is both letting down an ally as well as failing to take proactive steps to protect itself,” said Fitzpatrick, a member of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “Standing strong with our time-tested allies in freedom's cause is liberty's best defense. I’m proud to work with my college, Mr. Boyle, in encouraging cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine on this front, and look forward to continuing to work with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee to keep our focus on this 21st century battle.”
In recent years, Ukraine has been the target of an increasing number of cyber-attacks that have infiltrated state institutions and critical infrastructure to the effect of undermining its democracy.
“It is past time we step up to work with our ally Ukraine in furtherance of our mutual interest in cyber security, the modern battlefield. Ukraine is a frontline for nation state-directed cyber attacks, which are potential harbingers of attacks on the United States. Helping Ukraine strengthen its cyber defenses will not only protect Ukraine from future attacks, but it will also help the United States develop new and more effective technologies and strategies,” said Boyle. “As two members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee who are proud to represent strong Ukrainian-American communities, I am proud to work with my fellow Southeast Pennsylvania colleague to advance the strategic interests of both the United States and Ukraine on a bipartisan basis.”
The Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee for consideration. Both Boyle and Fitzpatrick are members of the Committee.