{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wied-introduces-bill-strengthen-cybersecurity-and-reduce-costs-small", "Rep. Wied Introduces Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Reduce Costs for Small Businesses", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Tony Wied", "W000829", "wied.house.gov", "wied", "https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced legislation this week to help small businesses strengthen their cybersecurity while streamlining coordination among federal agencies to reduce unnecessary costs.\n\nThe Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act requires the Small Business Administration to work with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to provide small businesses with information on cybersecurity best practices. It also requires coordination with the Secretary of War to provide specific information on the levels of cybersecurity requirements under the Department of War\u2019s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program.\n\n\u201cIn today\u2019s rapidly evolving digital world, it is critical for small businesses to maintain the highest-quality and most up-to-date cybersecurity infrastructure,\u201d said Congressman Wied. \u201cHowever, small businesses shouldn't be forced to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to obtain a level of cybersecurity they don\u2019t need simply because Washington has failed to provide clear rules. The Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act will provide much-needed clarity to help small businesses protect themselves without forcing them to spend excessive amounts of money trying to comply with vague guidelines.\u201d\n\nBackground: Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important consideration for small businesses, but many struggle to find clear, up-to-date guidance. Currently, the SBA\u2019s website provides some information for small businesses looking to secure their cyber infrastructure, but it may not reflect other agencies\u2019 best-practice recommendations. This leaves small businesses\u2019 cyber infrastructure vulnerable to nefarious actors. Additionally, the SBA lacks information on complying with the Department of War's new cybersecurity initiative, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This certification is multi-tiered based on the sensitive information a contractor or subcontractor may handle. The DoW has paused Phase II and III requirements while it conducts a 60-day review. Before the temporary pause, many small businesses were unsure of which level they were required to have. Without clear instructions, many were forced to spend upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars to comply with requirements they may not have needed. This bill ensures the SBA can provide small businesses with the most accurate and relevant information once Phase II and III requirements are reimplemented.\n\nRepresentatives Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) and Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-CNMI) are original cosponsors of this legislation.\n\n\u201cNorth Texas is one of America\u2019s fastest-growing hubs for firms offering professional, scientific, and technical services, and thousands of tech-oriented small businesses call our region home. They shouldn\u2019t have to spend six figures trying to decipher Washington\u2019s one-size-fits-all bureaucratic cybersecurity rules. I am glad to help introduce the Cybersecurity for Small Business Act to give small businesses clear guidance on best practices to protect their networks without wasting time and money on unnecessary requirements,\u201d said Congresswoman Van Duyne.\n\n\u201cCyberattacks do not just target the federal government or large corporations. Small businesses are also targets for foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party. Many lack the resources or expertise of larger companies to protect themselves. These attacks cost American businesses and our economy. This legislation gives small businesses clearer access to federal cybersecurity guidance. It also helps those seeking to work with the federal government understand the requirements they need to meet. Protecting America\u2019s small businesses is part of protecting our economy and our national security,\u201d said Congresswoman King-Hinds.\n\nThe Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act:\n\nRequires the Small Business Administration to collaborate with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure\n\nSecurity Agency to provide small businesses with information on cybersecurity best practices.\n\nRequires the Small Business Administration, in coordination with the Secretary of War to provide specific information related to the levels of cybersecurity requirements for the Department of War\u2019s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).\n\nRequires the Administrator to consult the Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the SBA\u2019s Office of Advocacy to determine best practices for disseminating information.\n\nAdds an annual reporting requirement to Section 10 of the Small Business Act.", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wied-introduces-bill-strengthen-cybersecurity-and-reduce-costs-small"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 2.8669729363173246, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}