WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), along with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), introduced the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize the state and local cybersecurity grant program that Sen. Cornyn helped create in 2021 and ensure recipients can continue building on the important cybersecurity work already underway with these resources:

“As the digital threat landscape continues to evolve and grow more perilous, it’s imperative that Texans are able to defend against harmful attacks online,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I am proud to have created this program, which has provided nearly $40 million in resources for Texas, and this legislation will continue to ensure communities across the Lone Star State are equipped with the tools necessary to maintain vigilance and improve cybersecurity.”

Background:

The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, administered by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has provided $1 billion to help state, local, and tribal governments prioritize cybersecurity investments and protect the critical systems and services that citizens rely on. The reauthorization would allow this successful program to continue supporting these investments. 

The program provides funding to support various cybersecurity improvements, including new staff, service enhancements, planning, and exercises. Funding from the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) and the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program (TCGP) helps eligible entities address cybersecurity risks and threats to information systems owned or operated by or on behalf of state, local, tribal, and territorial governments.

In FY24, Texas received nearly $13 million through this program, which was the most out of any state. Furthermore, Texas has received the most funding nationwide every year since this program was established, totaling roughly $40 million over three years.