NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 12, 2025
Bottom line
This bill creates a dedicated office within the NTIA to centralize and enhance federal efforts in internet and communications policy development and cybersecurity coordination, aiming to foster innovation and improve network security.
What it actually does
This bill amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Organization Act to establish a new Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity within the NTIA. It defines the duties of this office, which include overseeing national communications and information policy analysis, developing market-based policies for innovation and competition, coordinating cybersecurity and privacy policies, and promoting secure communications network supply chains.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that establishing a dedicated office will streamline NTIA's efforts, provide a clearer focus on critical policy areas, and enhance the agency's ability to respond to evolving challenges in telecommunications and cybersecurity. They believe it will lead to more coherent federal strategies, fostering innovation, competition, and consumer access while bolstering national security.
Opponents contend
While no specific organized opposition has been identified for this administrative restructuring, potential critics might raise concerns about the creation of new federal offices leading to bureaucratic bloat or duplication of efforts with other existing agencies involved in cybersecurity and telecommunications policy, such as the FCC or CISA.
The bill is very short and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for evaluation.
Section 2(a), adding Section 106(a) to the NTIA Organization Act.
Establishment of the Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity (OPDC)
This provision formally creates a new office within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), to be known as the Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity. This office will be responsible for overseeing and conducting national communications and information policy analysis and development, specifically focusing on the internet and communications technologies.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that establishing a dedicated office will streamline NTIA's efforts, provide a clearer focus on critical policy areas, and enhance the agency's ability to respond to evolving challenges in telecommunications and cybersecurity.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the administrative establishment of a new office within an existing agency, provided its mission is clearly defined and avoids duplication. Potential concerns might revolve around bureaucratic expansion if the office's functions are perceived to overlap significantly with other federal entities.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension is between creating a focused, efficient unit and potentially adding another layer to the federal bureaucracy, though proponents emphasize the former.
Section 2(a), adding Section 106(c) to the NTIA Organization Act.
Defined Duties for the Associate Administrator for Policy Development and Cybersecurity
This section outlines the specific responsibilities of the Associate Administrator who will head the new Office. These duties include developing market-based policies for innovation and competition, conducting studies on internet and communications usage, coordinating multistakeholder processes for cybersecurity and privacy, promoting collaboration between security researchers and service providers, advocating for secure supply chains, and advising on cybersecurity policy matters before other federal bodies.
Section 2(b)
Transitional Rules for Associate Administrator
This provision renames the existing position of "Associate Administrator for Policy Analysis and Development" within NTIA to "Associate Administrator for Policy Development and Cybersecurity." It also ensures that the individual currently holding the former position will automatically transition into the newly named role upon the bill's enactment, providing continuity in leadership.