Cybersecurity in the 119th Congress: Insights on What's Ahead from Andrew Howell and Kyle Klein

In this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo sits down with Andrew Howell, Vice President for Government Affairs at SentinelOne, and Kyle Klein, Deputy Director for Policy and Partnerships at the McCrary Institute. Together, they discuss the evolving cybersecurity legislative landscape in the early days of the 119th Congress. The conversation covers key bills like the Cyber Pivot Act, updates to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, efforts to designate space as critical infrastructure, AI regulation, and cybersecurity funding for state and local governments. They also examine the future direction of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the broader challenges of supply chain security.

Main Topics Covered

• Legislative priorities in the 119th Congress, including reintroduced cybersecurity bills
• The Cyber Pivot Act and its expansion to include four-year institutions
• Efforts to update the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
• The push to designate space as a critical infrastructure sector
• The challenge of AI regulation and the risk of a patchwork of state laws
• Cybersecurity funding for state and local governments and the fate of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program
• The potential refocusing of CISA’s mission under the new administration
• Implications of the Volt Typhoon cyber campaign and the need for stronger deterrence
• The role of Congress in shaping supply chain security policy

Key Quotes

"Maybe now we're beginning to see the first steps of a new group of lawmakers come in, feel comfortable on an issue, and begin to feel comfortable enough to want to legislate on an issue." — Andrew Howell

"We don't advocate specific legislation or lobby, but in that one, we do have strong opinions." — Frank Cilluffo, on space as critical infrastructure

"The state and local cyber grant program is hugely important to the federal government's partners at different levels of government." — Kyle Klein

"I think at some point you will see some action. I think a lot of members are still just, frankly, trying to understand the extent and severity of [Volt Typhoon].”  — Kyle Klein

“If you’re going to do something to even slightly change the calculus of global sources of products, then you have to do that understanding that’s going to move markets.” – Andrew Howell, on the complexities of supply chain security policy

Relevant Links and Resources

• Cyber PIVOTT Act

Guest Bios

Andrew Howell is Vice President for Government Affairs at SentinelOne. He previously spent 20 years at Monument Advocacy, lobbying on behalf of numerous technology clients.
Kyle Klein is the Deputy Director for Policy and Partnerships at the McCrary Institute. He previously served as Staff Director on the House Homeland Security Committee.