Congresswoman Simon Introduces Bill to Protect Small Businesses Against Cybersecurity Threats

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) introduced new bipartisan legislation, the Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act. This bill would direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess the cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities facing small businesses and identify existing federal initiatives and capital resources available to help them prepare for, mitigate, and defend against these risks. This legislation is co-led by Congressman Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08), and the House Small Business Committee unanimously passed the legislation today. Now, the Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act awaits a full vote on the House floor.

As the economy becomes increasingly digital and artificial intelligence continues to evolve, small businesses face a growing range of cybersecurity threats. From phishing schemes to insurance fraud and other cyberattacks, small businesses are often far less equipped than larger corporations to withstand and recover from cybersecurity incidents. Minority-, women-, disabled-, and veteran-owned small businesses are especially vulnerable, as these attacks can significantly hurt their ability to recover, remain operational, and contribute to their communities and local economies.

“Small businesses are already operating with limited resources and tight margins; a cybersecurity attack could mean the difference between survival and failure. As cybersecurity threats continue to grow and advance – it's critical that lawmakers have access to the best data, analysis, and expertise available to fully understand the risks facing small businesses so that we can craft effective solutions,” said Congresswoman Simon. “This bill will help Congress respond to these challenges and strengthen protections for entrepreneurs and job creators nationwide. I am grateful to Congressman Bresnahan for partnering with me to introduce this important bipartisan legislation, and I thank Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velázquez for their support.” 

You can find the full text of the bill here.

As a member of the House Small Business Committee, Congresswoman Simon is dedicated to ensuring small businesses have the conditions they need to succeed and ensuring fairness in business and loaning practices. This is her fifth small-business bill in the 119^th Congress, building on her recent introduction of the Small Business Borrowers’ Bill of Rights, which would establish core protections for small business owners against unfair lending practices. Since coming to Congress in January 2025, Congresswoman Simon has passed three small business-related bills through the House of Representatives, including the Assisting Small Businesses, Not Fraudsters Act and the ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act.  

###