Several years ago, I signed up to receive notification when my Senator sponsors legislation. I have him on my personal list of PR contacts, so when I have news or ideas to share media and representatives, they all get the message. NSITSP is going to help you facilitate that, in the very near future! Meanwhile, here’s something you can implement today and an example of how I use alerts from Congress.
Congressional Alerts
My Senator is Gary Peters he serves on a number of committees but for our purposes, this one is the most important.
- Committee on Armed Services
- Subcommittee on Airland
- Subcommittee on Cybersecurity
- Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
- Subcommittee on Seapower
Each week I receive an email with links like the one below. Bill S.5471 is of interest. Should it move forward, it will require federal grant recipients to have an approved cyber security plan. This could be an opportunity for IT service providers and cause non-profits to spend money on things other than their mission. All things have two sides.
Legislation sponsored:
- S. 5463 – A bill to establish the Department of Homeland Security Northern Border Mission Center.
Legislation cosponsored:
- S. 1375 – HELP Copays Act
- S. 3055 – Adopt GREET Act
- S. 4041 – CARE for Student Mental Health Act
- S. 5471 – A bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to require applicants for grants that propose to use digital infrastructure or a software component to certify the applicant has an approved security plan that addresses the cybersecurity risks of such digital infrastructure or software component, and for other purposes.
- S.Res. 925 – A resolution relating to the death of the Honorable Fred R. Harris, former Senator for the State of Oklahoma.
As professional IT service providers, we need to aware of things like this that might affect our clients. If not today, then soon. It not this bill, then probably another. The existence of this bill tells me that the winds are blowing in the direction of more cybersecurity enforcements.
I’m able to click the link and contribute a comment or message my senator directly.
Get alerts from your senator
If you’d like to get this type of information in your inbox, you can! Check out this page where you can sign up for a variety of different alert types that congress offers. Get Email Alerts and Updates | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
To get specific alerts from your senator, visit their website. It’ll look something like Gary’s and up in the right-hand corner is the opportunity to join the mailing list of alerts and he offers different types of alert emails.
Being known to your representatives is beneficial for several reasons.
- Gives you advance notice of trends
- Give you talking points for next time you meet with your client
- Establishes you as a thought leader with your clients and local officials
- Offers legislative input on behalf of your clients
- May bring other local opportunities. For example, I’ve been asked to speak at local cyber events and participate in townhalls.
The NSITSP Marketing Committee will soon release an opportunity for you to help our organization build these important connections. Watch this blog.