The Los Angeles Post

GOP likely to push back against cyber regulations

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As one of the few bipartisan issues in Congress, cybersecurity is expected to continue to garner support from both political parties no matter the final outcome of the 2022 midterm elections.

 

Still, experts predicted that expanded Republicans numbers could mean more GOP lawmakers pushing back against government regulation in the industry.

 

Democrats are projected to hold onto a narrow majority in the Senate after
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto won a close race in Nevada Saturday night, but fate of House control has yet to be determined amid some close uncalled races.

 

Over the past year, lawmakers have introduced and passed several bipartisan cybersecurity bills, with many focused on protecting critical infrastructure, including in the health and energy sectors.

  • Experts said regardless of which party is in control of Congress next year, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle will continue to collaborate and take actions on cybersecurity issues.
  • “Cybersecurity is a priority for the nation and it’s a bipartisan issue,” said Jamil Jaffer, founder and executive director of the National Security Institute at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School.
  • “I think everyone wants the country to be well-protected in the cyber domain,” he added.

However, Jaffer told The Hill last week that if Republicans won majorities in the House or Senate, they would likely push for less government regulation and instead advocate for market incentives designed to encourage the private sector to invest in cybersecurity.