U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) has joined with Barbara Comstock (R-VA) and U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) to propose bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help state, local and tribal governments more effectively battle computer hackers and counter cyber threats.

The State Cyber Resiliency Act would set up a cybersecurity grant program that would provide resources for states to develop and implement effective cyber resiliency plans.

This includes efforts to identify, detect, protect, respond and recover from cyber threats. It also encourages states to invest in the cybersecurity workforce.

“Cyber-attacks are a threat to our communities,” Kilmer said.

“Too often we hear stories of personal records being compromised by hackers punching holes in our cyber defenses,” he said. “It’s time we had better protection for consumers, workers, businesses and governments.”

According to a 2015 Ponemon Institute study, 50 percent of state and local governments faced six to 25 cyber breaches in the past 24 months.

And in the past year alone, hackers also breached more than 200,000 personal voter records in Illinois and Arizona.

Most states currently use less than 2 percent of their IT budget on cybersecurity.

Kilmer said passage of the State Cyber Resiliency Act would provide a needed new investment to thwart cyber threats.

“I’m proud to join with my colleagues to introduce a bipartisan plan that gives states more tools to fight back against these attacks and encourage the continued growth of a talented cyber workforce in our region and across the nation,” Kilmer added.

Comstock said computer hacking has become an everyday experience.

“As chairwoman of the Research and Technology Subcommittee, cybersecurity has been a focus of mine since the beginning of my chairwomanship,” Comstock said. “I hear stories everyday where personal information of Americans is compromised and used by cyberterrorists.”

“Cybersecurity has become even more critical to our nation as government agencies and private companies rely on technologies that are susceptible to hacking. The resources in the State Cyber Resiliency Act will give states the means necessary to protect their citizens from cyberattacks like those at OPM and IRS so that personal information remains private.”

“One of the fastest growing threats to our country is the danger posed by cyberattacks,” added Warren.

“From data breaches at retailers like Target and Home Depot to ransomware attacks on cities’ transportation networks, cyberattacks pose a significant threat. Despite the velocity of the threat, 80 percent of states lack funding to develop sufficient cybersecurity. I’m proud to partner with Reps. Kilmer and Comstock, and Sen. Gardner, who co-chairs with me the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, to provide grants to state and local jurisdictions so they are better prepared to take on the emerging challenges in the cyber domain.”

Officials agree that more needs to be done at the state and local level to combat cyber threats.

“It’s critical that our state and local governments invest in cyber preparedness and training, and I’m proud to work with Senator Warner and Representatives Kilmer and Comstock to create a grant program to help our communities with this effort,” Gardner said. “Colorado is at the forefront of our nation’s cybersecurity efforts and home to the National Cybersecurity Center in Colorado Springs. As the threat of cyber warfare intensifies, it’s important that local governments are properly prepared to deter and protect themselves from cyber-attacks.”

Matt Zone, president of the National League of Cities and a councilman in Cleveland, Ohio, said it’s no surprise that cities are targets for sophisticated hackers, and added they need more support from the federal government on the issue.

“Cities manage substantial amounts of sensitive data, including data on vital infrastructure and public safety systems,” Zone said. “Cities need federal support to provide local governments with the tools and resources needed to protect their citizens and serve them best.

“We applaud Congressman Kilmer for introducing this bill and urge Congress to pass it swiftly,” Zone said.