H.R. 4668, Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2017

Floor Situation

On Tuesday, May 8, 2018, the House will consider H.R. 4668, the Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2017, under suspension of the rules. This bill was introduced on December 18, 2017 by Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) and was referred to the Committee on Small Business, which ordered the bill reported by voice vote on March 14, 2018.

Summary              

H.R. 4668 establishes Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) as the primary interface for federal information sharing for small businesses cyber threats and provides numerous improvements to help small businesses deal with cyber threats. This includes initiatives to increase collaboration and information sharing about emerging cyber challenges.    

Background

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the United States and its territories. SBDCs help entrepreneurs realize the dream of business ownership and help existing businesses remain competitive in a complex, ever-changing global marketplace. SBDCs are hosted by leading universities and state economic development agencies, and funded in part through a partnership with SBA.

SBDC advisors provide aspiring and current small business owners a variety of free business consulting and low-cost training services including: business plan development, manufacturing assistance, financial packaging and lending assistance, exporting and importing support, disaster recovery assistance, procurement and contracting aid, market research help, 8(a) program support, and healthcare guidance.

According to the Committee, there is a “broad deficit of information sharing between public and private sectors serves as a detriment to the overall cybersecurity posture of the United States. A major reason for the lack of information sharing, particularly among small businesses, is a lack of resources and liability concerns.”[1] This bill encourages small businesses to work with the federal government by providing them additional resources. In order to combat small businesses' reluctance to engage with the federal government, this legislation encourages their collaboration in the following ways:[2]

Cost

A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate is not currently available.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Ryan Hofmann with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 2-6674.