hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Reauthorizes grants and help for small electric utilities against cyberattacks.
Rep. Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Rep. McClellan (D-VA).
Reported by committee, awaiting House floor vote.
This bill renews a program started in the 2021 infrastructure law that gives money and technical help to rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and very small investor-owned utilities to fight cybersecurity threats. It authorizes $250 million over five years. The sponsors are from the Energy and Commerce Committee. The bill has been reported out of committee and is ready for the full House.
Introduced Jan 27, 2026
This bill is under review by a committee. The committee holds hearings, gathers testimony from experts and stakeholders, and may propose amendments. If the committee votes to advance it, the bill moves to the full chamber for debate and a vote.
The bill provides grants and technical assistance to small electric utilities like co-ops and town-owned power companies. This helps them afford advanced defense software and training. It also makes information shared under the program exempt from public records laws, so utilities may be more willing to share threat data without fear of disclosure. The priority goes to utilities with few resources or those serving critical defense sites.
Supporters Say
Supports say it shores up vulnerable small utilities from rising cyber threats, protecting essential power for millions.
Critics Say
Critics worry the expanded secrecy for shared information could reduce transparency and accountability.
Supporters, including the sponsors, argue that rural and municipal utilities often lack the funds to defend against sophisticated hackers. They say the program is cost-effective insurance against blackouts. Critics, especially transparency advocates, note that making all shared information exempt from FOIA and state open records laws could hide potential misuse or negligence. The bill aims to balance security with openness.