Protecting Critical Infrastructure Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 2 OF 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed House

Passed Senate

Conference

To President

Became Law

Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

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Voters should care about this bill because it directly addresses the growing threat of cyberattacks on the nation's most essential services. Our daily lives rely heavily on critical infrastructure—from the electricity that powers our homes to the communication networks that connect us and the financial systems that process our transactions. A successful cyberattack on these systems could lead to widespread outages, economic disruption, and threats to public safety.

If this bill becomes law, it aims to deter both domestic and foreign adversaries by imposing some of the most severe penalties for cybercrimes against critical infrastructure. This could make the U.S. more resilient against attacks and help protect citizens from the consequences of such disruptions. If the bill doesn't pass, current laws, which some argue are insufficient, would remain, potentially leaving critical infrastructure more vulnerable to those seeking to exploit weaknesses with less fear of extreme punishment.

KEY PROVISIONS

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Increases the minimum prison sentence for computer fraud and related offenses involving critical infrastructure to not less than 30 years or for life, in addition to a fine.

This aims to significantly deter individuals from targeting essential services through cyberattacks by imposing severe legal consequences.

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Requires the President to impose sanctions on foreign persons who knowingly access or attempt to access critical infrastructure to harm U.S. national security or citizen safety.

This creates a new mandatory tool for the U.S. government to respond to and punish foreign cyber threats against its vital systems.

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Specifies that the sanctions for foreign persons include blocking their assets within the U.S. and making them ineligible for visas or entry into the United States, including revoking current visas.

These tangible actions are designed to directly impact and punish foreign adversaries by cutting off their financial access and travel to the U.S.

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Allows the President to waive the application of these sanctions on a case-by-case basis for up to 180 days if it's vital to U.S. national security interests, provided Congress is notified.

This provision provides necessary flexibility for the President to navigate complex foreign policy situations without rigid enforcement of sanctions.

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Directs the President to issue the necessary regulations for implementing the sanctions section of the bill within 90 days of the Act's enactment.

This ensures that the new sanctioning powers are put into practice swiftly and with clear procedures.

DEADLINES & DATES

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Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

The President shall promulgate regulations as are necessary for the implementation of the sanctions section.

Not less than 10 days before the promulgation of regulations.

The President shall notify and provide to the appropriate congressional committees the proposed regulations.

Not later than 15 days before such waiver is to take effect.

The President shall certify to the appropriate congressional committees that a waiver of sanctions is vital to national security interests.

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

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TYPE	AMOUNT	WHO
criminal	Fine under title 18 and imprisonment for not less than 30 years or for life.	Any person committing an offense that involves critical infrastructure under Section 1030(c) of title 18, United States Code.
administrative/civil/criminal	Penalties set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705).	A person that violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of any regulation, license, or order issued to carry out the asset blocking sanction.
sanctions	Blocking and prohibiting all transactions in property and interests in property; inadmissibility to the United States; ineligibility for visas, admission, or parole; revocation of current visas.	Any foreign person that the President determines knowingly accesses or attempts to access critical infrastructure for the purpose of harming U.S. national security, defense, or the safety and security of any U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

GLOSSARY

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Critical Infrastructure: Systems and assets (physical or virtual) that are so important to the United States that their disruption or destruction would severely harm national security, the economy, public health, or safety. Examples include power grids, water systems, and communication networks.
Computer Fraud and Related Offenses: Crimes involving the unauthorized access, damage, or manipulation of computer systems, networks, or data, often through hacking, malware, or other cyber means.
Sanctions: Government-imposed penalties, such as financial restrictions or travel bans, intended to pressure individuals, groups, or countries to change their behavior.
Foreign Person: An individual or organization that is not a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States, nor an entity organized under U.S. law.
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA): A U.S. law that allows the President to regulate international commerce and financial transactions during a declared national emergency to address threats to U.S. national security or foreign policy.
Asset Blocking: A sanction that prohibits a person or entity from using, transferring, or accessing their money, property, or other financial interests within the United States.

ACTION TIMELINE

2 EVENTS

MAY 8, 25

Introduced in House

INTROREFERRAL

MAY 8, 25

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

INTROREFERRAL

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Judiciary CommitteeReferred

May 8, 2025

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Protecting Critical Infrastructure Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

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Protecting Critical Infrastructure Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

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Protecting Critical Infrastructure Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

BILL INFO

READER REACTIONS

Discussion

Protecting Critical Infrastructure Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

SPONSORS

READER REACTIONS

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Discussion

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