Voters should care about this bill because it addresses a critical vulnerability in the nation's economy and national security: cybersecurity in the marine transportation system. Our maritime trade, encompassing ports, ships, and waterways, is a massive part of the U.S. economy, facilitating trillions of dollars in activity. A successful cyberattack on this system could disrupt supply chains, cause significant economic damage, and even pose national security risks.

This bill seeks to ensure that the U.S. Coast Guard, which is responsible for protecting this system from cyber threats, has the necessary resources to do its job effectively. If the bill passes, an independent review will identify any gaps in funding, staffing, or training. Without this bill, or a similar effort, these potential weaknesses might go unaddressed, leaving vital infrastructure vulnerable to attacks and potentially impacting the availability and cost of goods for everyday Americans, as well as the nation's ability to respond to crises.