Bill · H.R. 5078· House(119-HR-5078)
PILLAR Act
- Introduced
- 9/2/2025
- Last activity
- 11/18/2025 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Andrew Ogles
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 2
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
The PILLAR Act seeks to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to reauthorize the State and local cybersecurity grant program. This legislation expands the scope of the program to include operational technology systems and artificial intelligence. It introduces new definitions for terms like "artificial intelligence system" and "foreign entity of concern." The bill also updates requirements for identity and access management, specifically mentioning multi-factor authentication. Additionally, it adjusts federal funding shares and extends the program's timeline through fiscal year 2033.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+8
The bill strengthens cybersecurity by expanding grant scope to include artificial intelligence and operational technology, and incentivizing multi-factor authentication.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+6
The bill specifically requires outreach and access for rural areas and local governments with small populations.
Does this invest in rural communities?+5
The bill mandates outreach and ensures access for rural areas and local governments with small populations to cybersecurity services.
The opposite
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-1
The bill does not provide direct economic relief to low-income households.
Does this make housing cost less?-1
The bill does not directly impact housing affordability, but may indirectly divert state attention toward cybersecurity infrastructure.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Enhanced Security for Critical Infrastructure: The bill expands the focus to include "operational technology systems" and "artificial intelligence," which helps protect essential services from modern threats (Section 2).
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Support for Vulnerable Systems: The act aims to bolster the resilience of "outdated or vulnerable information systems or operational technology systems" (Section s, subsection (e)(ii)(A)(xii)).
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Increased Federal Funding for Security Measures: The Federal share of costs may increase from 60-70 percent to 65-75 percent if entities implement multi-factor authentication and identity management tools by October 1, 2027 (Section 2, subsection (m)(1)).
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Inclusion of Underserved Areas: The bill mandates outreach and ensures access for "rural areas and other local governments with small populations" (Section 2, subsection (e)(ii)(A)(xv)).
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Expanded Support through Academic Partnerships: The bill allows for the inclusion of "academic and nonprofit entities, including cybersecurity clinics and other nonprofit technical assistance programs" (Section 2, subsection (e)(ii)(A)(xiv)(vv)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restrictions on Technology Purchases: Entities are prohibited from purchasing software or hardware that does not align with Agency guidance, such as "Secure by Design," or products maintained by a "foreign entity of concern" (Section 2, subsection (j)(1)(G)).
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Future Budgetary Burdens for Local Governments: The act suggests that local governments may need to include the costs of continuing programs in their own budgets once grant funds are fully expended (Section 2, subsection (r)(2)(A)(iii)).
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Limits on Local Decision-Making: A cybersecurity planning committee cannot make decisions regarding the actual information or operational technology systems maintained by the eligible entity (Section 2, subsection (g)(5)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+8
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+6Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Low Income Households-1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing-1
- 11/18/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 11/17/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4685-4687)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4685-4687)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5078.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4685-4688)
- Mr. Garbarino moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 11/12/2025
- Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-377.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 328.
- 10/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/3/2025
- Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 1.
- 9/2/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Gabe EvansRepublican · Colorado
Andrew GarbarinoRepublican · New York
Eric SwalwellDemocrat · California
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia