FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sara Robertson (sara.robertson2@mail.house.gov)

Rep. Crawford Urges National Security Advisor Sullivan to Hold Formal Briefing on Colonial Pipeline Cyberattack

5/12/2021

Washington—Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01), joined by a bipartisan group of Chairmen and Ranking Members on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Homeland Security Committee sent a letter to the National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, to express concern and request a formal briefing regarding the recent ransomware attack against Colonial Pipeline Company that prompted the continued shut down of 5,500 miles of pipelines. The FBI confirmed the organized hacker group, DarkSide, is behind the attack.

The letter requests the task force, formed by the White House, provide a formal joint briefing to members of both Committees on the federal response to the cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline as soon as possible. In addition to a more detailed understanding of the incident, Representative Crawford and his colleagues want to make sure there is interagency clarity in roles and responsibilities between the National Security Council, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Sector Risk Management Agencies, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“The transportation and infrastructure industry is absolutely critical to the success of our vibrant and essential energy industry. Together, the two sectors keep America running and competitive. Unfortunately, this attack has proven how vulnerable they are. We are already experiencing the ramifications of the cyberattack as it prompts fluctuations in fuel prices and fuel shortages in the Southeastern United States. Millions of Americans will have to deal with the outcome. This attack proves the importance of providing the best security possible across all sectors of the United States, and the potentially devastating effects of failing to defend our economic and national security. It is imperative that the response from the federal government is swift and effective. Discussions on how to address these issues could not come at a better time as we continue to work to find common ground on bipartisan infrastructure solutions,” said Rep. Crawford.

Rep. Crawford is Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. He also serves as the Ranking Member of the Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and counterproliferation Subcommittee. He has expressed significant concern regarding the hacking of the Colonial Pipeline Company and how it affects our national security. 

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