House bill seeks new sanctions against major cyberattackers

CyberScoop reports that Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, has reintroduced the Cyber Deterrence and Response Act, renewing his push to strengthen U.S. efforts to penalize foreign hackers as the Trump administration emphasizes deterrence.

The bill would require the executive branch to designate major perpetrators of cyber intrusions as a "critical cyber threat actor," a status that would trigger sanctions. It also outlines a formal method for attributing responsibility, drawing on federal cyber agencies and private threat intelligence companies. Pfluger said the U.S. needs a strong structure to "hold bad actors accountable" as attacks grow more advanced and widespread.

Congressional frustration has escalated since the Salt Typhoon cyberespionage campaign that breached telecommunications networks. During a hearing Tuesday, Senate Commerce Chairman Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said the country must collaborate more effectively "to detect and deter attacks in real time."

The updated bill gives the Office of the National Cyber Director primary responsibility for identifying designated actors and includes a presidential waiver option requiring written justification to Congress.